Читать книгу The Passionate Friends - Meg Alexander - Страница 9

Judith was puzzled. She’d promised to accompany the Reverend Truscott to the charity tea in aid of the foundling children. When he didn’t arrive she decided that she must have mistaken his instructions. Eventually, she went alone, only to discover that he had been called away on parish business.

The next day, at her stepmother’s insistence, she stayed indoors to wait for his usual daily visit, but he did not arrive. That evening, a note was delivered to her, explaining that he would be away for several days in connection with a family matter. This did not trouble her unduly. In fact, it was something of a relief to be spared the need to agree with his sententious remarks.

She took herself to task for this unworthy thought. No one was perfect, least of all herself, and if her betrothed seemed, at times, to be a little pompous, it was easy to forgive his didactic manner. He was a good man. That she believed with all her heart.

She stayed in her sitting-room all morning, conscious of her own failings. She had not been entirely truthful with the man she was to marry. What would he say when he learned that she was actually writing a novel? It could not be considered a suitable occupation for a preacher’s wife, but the story begged to be written. Throughout each day she found herself composing further snatches of dialogue, or planning yet another scene.

She was not destined to be left in peace for long. At nuncheon that day, Mrs Aveton made her displeasure clear.

“Must I tell you yet again?” she cried. “You have not bought above one half of the items on your list. You put me out of all patience, Judith. Peace will return to this household only when you are wed and gone from here.”

Judith doubted the truth of this statement. Mrs Aveton’s daughters were as ill-tempered as she was herself, and the servants were treated frequently to the sound of quarrelling, screams, and wild hysterics. Neither of the girls had yet been sought in marriage. They had neither fortunes, not a pleasant disposition to recommend them.

“Must I go back to Bond Street, ma’am?” she asked hopefully. She welcomed any excuse to get her out of the house.

“I see no other way of obtaining your necessary purchases,” came the sarcastic reply.

“And I may take the carriage?”

“I suppose so. At least you will be there and back more quickly than you were the other day. You must watch this habit of dawdling, Judith. It cannot please your husband.”

Judith felt a tiny spurt of rebellion. Was everything she did now to be directed to that desirable end? Her face grew wooden. She’d buy those last items as quickly as possible. Then she’d pay a visit to Mount Street. Perhaps it was folly. She suspected that it was, but at that moment she longed to be with those who loved her.

With Bessie in attendance, she hurried through her shopping, paying scant attention to the items on her list. It was done at last, and glancing at the clock in Bond Street she discovered that she had at least an hour of freedom before her absence would be remarked as being unduly long. It was a bitter disappointment to discover that Perry and Elizabeth were away from home, and that Prudence had been ordered to rest that day.

“Lord Wentworth will see you, ma’am. At present he is speaking to the doctor, but if you would care to wait…?”

The butler opened the door to the small salon, but Judith shook her head.

“I won’t disturb him. Pray give my regards to Lady Wentworth. I will call again at a more convenient time.”

She turned away, and was about to leave when Dan threw open the library door, and hurried towards her.

“I thought I heard your voice, Judith, don’t run away. Come and talk to me!”

She hesitated, looking doubtful, but he gave her a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry! I intend to keep my word. I shall say nothing to distress you.”

He had disturbing news, but at Sebastian’s insistence he knew that he must keep it to himself.

The Bow Street Runner had followed the Reverend Truscott to his destination in “The Rookery”. When the preacher left he’d knocked at the same door on the pretext of discovering the whereabouts of a well-known fence, but the man who opened it had sent him on his way.

“Best peddle your wares elsewhere,” he’d snarled. “There’s plenty as will buy your gew-gaws at the drinking shop, and no questions asked.”

The Runner retired to consider his next move. It was soon decided when the man left the hovel with a woman on each arm. He followed them for several yards, and turned in behind them at the drinking shop.

They didn’t suspect him, he was sure of it. After all, the man himself had suggested the place as the ideal spot to pursue his supposed nefarious activities.

Smiling pleasantly, he settled himself close by the tattered trio, and received a slight nod of acknowledgement in reply.

He’d been hoping to engage them in conversation, but the older woman was already quarrelling with the owner.

“No more credit, Nellie. If you ain’t got blunt you’ll get no drink from me—”

“Shut your face!” The woman slammed a coin down on the counter. “There’s plenty more where that came from. Now give me a bottle!”

The man bit the coin, and whistled in surprise.

“Come into money, have you? Where’s the body?”

The woman ignored him. Picking up the bottle, she returned to her companions. The three of them soon emptied it, and bought another.

The Runner waited. At the rate they were drinking they would soon begin to talk more freely. He had underestimated their capacity, though the older woman had been far from sober when she’d entered the place. Even so, a third bottle was half-empty before she set it down, wiped her lips, and subsided into helpless giggles.

“It wuz ’is face!” she explained to her companions. “Proud as Lucifer, ’e is, but we’ve got ’im now.”

“And not before time!” the man agreed. “That devil done you wrong, my lass.”

The Runner was puzzled. Had the woman been younger he’d have drawn the obvious conclusion, but this raddled creature must be in her sixties. He eyed her closely. There was something about her features which struck a chord…the nose, perhaps, or the sunken eyes?

From what little he’d seen of the Reverend Truscott’s face he couldn’t be sure, but his suspicions grew.

“You’ll know us next time,” the younger woman snapped. “Wot you starin at?”

“Just looking about me. I’ll move on. Ain’t nobody here who’s likely to be of use to me…” He scowled and left them.

His report to Sebastian had been succinct, and it roused fresh hope in Dan.

“It does seem that he gave them money,” he said eagerly. “Why would he do that?”

“There could be a number of reasons…charity among them.”

“But it isn’t his parish,” Dan protested. “Why would he go so far? He seemed to know the place well, or so the Runner said. And how was he able to walk there unmolested? Your man warned me against attempting it.”

“You forget that the Reverend Truscott is a man of the cloth. That alone is sufficient to protect him.”

Dan sniffed. “He was so heavily muffled that he might have been anyone.”

“Perhaps he’s known in the district,” Sebastian said gravely.

“Perhaps he is.” Dan’s voice was full of meaning. “Well, I’m not satisfied, for one. Your own man thought there was something strange. Did he not mention a certain resemblance in the woman?”

“And what of that? Even supposing that it’s true, we have no proof. It was merely an impression…”

“It ain’t very savoury, though.” Perry had been listening with interest. “St Giles is the worst sink in London. It wouldn’t be the place I’d want to find my relatives…”

“The man can’t be blamed for his connections,” Sebastian said firmly.

“But, Seb, only thieves and vagabonds live in ‘The Rookery’. You know its reputation. As for the women…”

“Again, I say we have no proof. The Runner may be mistaken. Truscott’s visit may have been no more than a simple act of Christian charity.”

“You sound more like Frederick every day,” Perry told him in disgust. “Next thing you’ll be following our elder brother into Government.”

“Not so!” Sebastian laughed and shook his head. “And, Perry, he did well enough for you. Without his help you might have lost Elizabeth.”

“I know it. I have much to thank him for. He surprised me then, you know. I thought him a model of rectitude, but he moved fast when there was danger.”

“And I shall do the same.”

Dan’s face cleared. “Then you won’t let it go?”

“No! I won’t let it go.” Sebastian looked at his adopted son. “Prudence and Elizabeth are troubled and I won’t have my wife upset at a time like this.”

“Shall you tell them anything?”

“Only that our enquiries are going forward.”

“Then I may not tell Elizabeth of the Runner’s findings.”

“Certainly not. We have discovered only that the Reverend Truscott paid a visit to a squalid part of London. All the rest is merely surmise. Would that satisfy Elizabeth?”

Perry smiled at his brother. “How well you know her! She is afraid of nothing. Not even your famous Runner would stop her if she set her mind upon entering that infamous district.”

“Exactly!” Sebastian looked at his companions. “This information must go no further than the three of us. I’ll let you know when, and if, I have further news.”

With this his listeners had to be content, though Dan had grave misgivings. Of the three of them he alone had seen the preacher’s furtive manner, which was not that of a man of God bent upon some charitable enterprise.

Now he led Judith into the library with the air of a man who had no other thought in mind than welcoming an old friend.

She glanced at the sheets of paper which covered a large table.

“But I’m disturbing you,” she protested.

“I’m glad of the interruption.” Dan gave her a mischievous smile. “Now I shall be able to bore you with some of my ideas…”

“You won’t do that.” She glanced down at the drawings. “Warships, Dan? Surely the war with the French is at an end? Did not the Peace of Amiens come into effect only last month?”

“The Earl of Brandon thinks it but a cessation in hostilities. Perry and Sebastian agree with him.”

“And what do you think?”

“I think we shall be at war quite soon. Napoleon has lost none of his ambition to make himself the master of Europe and beyond. Our Fleet is all that has stopped him until now.”

“But this present Treaty?”

“Will give him time to build up his reserves, and to commission new ships. He has suffered heavy defeats at sea. That is where he must destroy us first.”

“And are the French ships better than ours?”

“They are faster, and lighter too. Our own are built for strength. The first essential role of a warship is to carry armaments into battle, and the gun decks must be able to take the weight of the artillery.”

“I see. It must be difficult to strike the right balance between strength and speed.” Her attention was engaged at once.

“That’s it exactly. I knew you’d understand. Too many guns and too much weight reduce the sailing qualities of a vessel. There’s so much to consider.”

“Such as?”

“Seaworthiness, maintenance, manoeuvrability, stability, different weather conditions, and accommodation.”

“Such a list!” She began to smile.

“What is it, Judith?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I thought you might have changed in these past years, but I see that you have not.”

He raised an eyebrow in enquiry, but she laughed and shook her head. “I meant only that you are still intrigued by technical problems. It is the thing I remember most about you.”

“Is it?” His voice was heavy with meaning.

Aware that she was treading on dangerous ground, Judith tried again. “Of course!” she told him lightly. “I recall the day we met when you hung upside down on a small craft by the river at Kew. We all thought you were about to dive beneath it to examine the hull.”

He chuckled. “I remember. Perry gave me a roasting later. You stayed behind when the others moved away. Why did you do that?”

“You didn’t worry me!” she murmured. “You left me to my thoughts. I didn’t feel obliged to talk to you.”

Dan grimaced. “You must have thought me a boor, busy only with my own concerns. Perry informed me that I might, at least, have engaged you in conversation.”

“There was no need,” she told him briefly. “The silence was so comfortable.” She held out her hand. “I think I must go now.”

“Not yet!” He took her hand, but he did not release it. “May I not show you what I’m working on at present?”

Judith was tempted. There was plenty of time before she need return home and when he drew out a chair for her she sat beside him to examine the drawings. There was much she didn’t understand, but her questions were both pertinent and sensible. Spurred on by her interest, Dan was soon well launched upon his favourite subject. Apparently absorbed, he was quick to sense her growing ease of manner, and pleased to see that her somewhat strained expression had disappeared.

Then, as the clock struck five, she jumped.

“Great heavens! I have been gone this age,” she cried. “Will you give my kind regards to Prudence and Elizabeth?” She rose as if to take her leave. Then her heart turned over as he gave her a dazzling smile.

“You have encouraged me to be selfish,” he accused. “I’ve spent the last hour speaking of my own affairs, and you have told me nothing of your own.”

Judith returned his smile. “I couldn’t get a word in,” she teased gently.

“But you are still writing? Are they still short pieces?”

Judith hesitated. “No…”

“Then what?” Dan looked at her averted face, and his eyes began to sparkle. “Judith, have you started on a book at last? You always meant to write one.”

She blushed. “I don’t know how good it is. It is just that…well…I was trying to make sense of the world, and it helps to put my thoughts on paper.”

“But that is splendid!”

“It is probably quite trivial.”

“No, I won’t have that. You haven’t got a trivial mind. How much have you done?”

“Just a few chapters,” she murmured. “Perhaps I’m wasting my time. I’m not the best judge of my own work, I fear.”

“Then I’ll indulge in a great impertinence. Will you let me see it?”

She flushed with pleasure. “I’d be glad of another opinion,” she confessed. “You always used to read my things, and I found your comments helpful.”

“Then it’s settled. When can you bring the manuscript?”

“I don’t know.” Judith’s eyes grew shadowed. “I…I have other commitments…”

“Ah, yes, I understand.” Dan’s manner became formal, and for the first time a silence fell between them, though the forbidden subject of her marriage occupied each of their minds.

Judith found the tense atmosphere unbearable. She thrust out her hand and prepared to take her leave.

“Too late!” a merry voice cried. “We’ve caught you and we won’t let you go.” Elizabeth swept into the room accompanied by a chattering group of children.

Judith smiled in spite of herself as Sebastian’s three boys bowed politely to her. They were clearly impatient to reach Dan’s side.

Then Perry walked in, holding his elder daughter by the hand, and carrying his younger girl. He was quick to dismiss an anxious tutor, and a hovering nursemaid.

“No, leave them be!” he ordered. “Here is a lady who will be glad to see them. Judith, shall you object to a nursery invasion?”

“Of course not!” Judith smiled warmly at the children, and took Perry’s eldest girl upon her knee.

“We met them as they were coming from the park,” Elizabeth explained. “As Judith is here we must have a treat. Tea in the salon, do you think?”

This suggestion was greeted with whoops of delight from the boys, and Perry laughed.

“As you wish, my love.” He rang the bell and gave his orders. “You spoil them, dearest. Prudence will have your blood! Think of her carpets…”

“We’ll be careful, Uncle Perry.” Eleven-year-old Thomas stood upon his dignity, clearly affronted by Peregrine’s reference to the nursery. “Henry doesn’t drop things.”

“And I don’t drop things either.” The youngest boy glared at his eldest brother.

“Yes, you do, and they always land with the butter side down.” Thomas directed a quelling glance at Crispin.

“He won’t do so today.” Judith reached out a hand to Crispin. “Have you had an exciting day?”

“We went to the Tower to see the wild animals.” The little boy’s eyes grew round. “There were lions, you know…”

“And were they very fierce?”

“I didn’t like it when they roared.”

“He put his hands over his ears,” said Thomas in disgust.

“I expect I’d have done the same myself,” Judith announced mildly. “An unexpected noise can be frightening…” She looked at Henry. “What did you like best about today?”

Henry was dear to her heart. Less ebullient than his brothers, he had a retiring nature. She and he had struck up a friendship based upon long silences, trust, and occasional conversations when the boy had opened up his innermost feelings to her.

“I liked it all,” he said. “I made some drawings of the animals. They were all so strange and new. Would you like to see them?”

“I’d love to, Henry, but I must go home. Next time, perhaps?”

“No, Judith, I won’t have it.” Elizabeth sprang to her feet. “We see so little of you nowadays. You must stay and dine with us—”

“But, my dear, I can’t. I am expected. In any case, I am not dressed for dinner.”

“Then I won’t change. After all, we are dining en famille. Dearest Judith, may we not send a message to your home?”

“Oh, please!” The three boys stood in a semicircle round her. “We haven’t shown you the presents which Dan brought for us.”

“Judith may be expecting her betrothed,” Dan said stiffly.

“No! He is away at present.” Judith spoke without thinking.

“Then there can’t be the least objection.”

“Objection to what?” Sebastian had come to join them.

“To Judith dining with us. Sebastian, how is Prudence?” Elizabeth gazed at him with anxious eyes.

“Perfectly well, and all the better for her rest. She will come down for dinner.”

“There, you see!” Elizabeth turned to Judith. “Now you can’t refuse. Prudence will be so glad to see you.”

Judith wavered. The temptation to enjoy the warmth of this happy family circle was almost irresistible, if only for a little longer. Still she hesitated.

“Mrs Aveton dines from home this evening,” she murmured. “She will require the carriage…”

“Then let us send it back with your message.” Elizabeth clapped her hands. “We shall see you home, and since Mrs Aveton will be out you won’t be missed.”

The circle of pleading faces was too much for Judith.

“Very well,” she agreed. “I shall be happy to stay.”

Elizabeth beamed at her. “I’ll write a note myself,” she insisted. “Then there can be no objection.”

“Of course not,” Perry said dryly. “Who will stand in the way of a force majeure?” He turned to Judith. “Eight years of marriage and two children have not yet reduced my wife to the shrinking violet whom I’d hoped to wed.”

Elizabeth laughed up at him. “You gave no sign of it when we first met, my love.”

His look of affection was disarming. “No!” he agreed. “I like a challenge and I haven’t been disappointed. You continue to surprise me.”

Judith looked down as a small hand stole into hers.

“I’m glad you’re staying,” Henry told her. “Now we can show you the things which Dan brought back for us.”

Thomas came to join his brother. “Mine is a dagger from India. It has a jewelled hilt. I can’t carry it yet, of course, but when I’m older I shall do so.”

“And yours?” Judith turned to Henry.

“It is a wooden mask. Dan says that it will ward off evil spirits.”

“A useful item.” Perry twinkled at his nephew. “And certainly a thing which no gentleman’s household is complete without.”

“Perry, I believe you’re jealous!” Judith began to smile.

“Of course I am. I was tempted to send Dan away again to fetch a similar thing for me.”

Two small fat hands reached up to touch his face. “Papa, you won’t do that, will you? I love Dan. I don’t want him to go away…”

Perry hugged his daughter. “I’m teasing, Puss. Dan won’t go away again.”

“I should think not, after such an unsolicited testimonial.” Sebastian looked amused. “Now, boys, off you go. Judith will call in upon you later, but your mother wishes to see you.”

Sebastian settled himself in the great wing-chair and Judith lost her charge as the little girl struggled from her lap and ran to climb upon her uncle’s knee.

“A daughter next, Sebastian?” Perry asked with a grin.

“Only if she is as pretty as our little Kate here.” His brother dropped a kiss upon the child’s head. Then his face grew grave. “I shall not mind, as long as Prudence and the babe are well.”

Judith was quick to sense his concern. “Are you worried about her? The doctor gave you a good report, I hope?”

“Prudence is well enough at present, though I can’t persuade her to rest. Judith, I’d be grateful if you’d have a word with her. She is accustomed to be so active, but you are always a calming influence.”

“I’ll do my best,” she promised.

“Then come and see her now.” Elizabeth jumped to her feet. “Oh, I had forgot. We’ve ordered tea in the salon. The boys will be starving…” She held out her hands to her daughter, and led the way across the hall.

Under their father’s watchful eye, the boys were on their best behaviour, and to Elizabeth’s evident relief, the carpets suffered no disaster. Her own girls ate little, and were clearly flagging after their walk in the park.

“Time for bed, I think,” their mother said firmly. “Come, Judith, shall you care to see them bathed?”

Her pride in her children was evident, and Perry smiled as the little party left the room.

“Judith is such a dear,” he said warmly. “She’s looking better today, I think, don’t you?”

“She’s at her best with children,” Sebastian agreed. “I was surprised to see her here this afternoon. When did she arrive?”

“It must have been a couple of hours ago.” Dan’s attempt at a casual reply was unconvincing.

“Why, you sly dog, you’ve been keeping her to yourself. What will the dreaded Truscott say to that, I wonder?”

“She tells me that he’s gone away…”

“For good, I hope?”

“No such luck.” Dan’s glance at his companions was filled with meaning. “He is attending to some family business, so I hear.”

“I wonder if we’ve flushed him out?” Perry’s eyes began to sparkle. “Odd behaviour…I mean, to leave so suddenly. Don’t you agree, Sebastian?”

His brother frowned. “There may be a good reason. Why must you insist on jumping to the worst conclusions?”

“Don’t like the look of the chap.”

“I didn’t know you’d seen him. You don’t accompany Elizabeth to his sermons, do you?”

“Just thought I’d take a look at him on the night we heard the news.”

“Perry, you are the outside of enough! Did I not warn you not to make enquiries in his parish?”

“I didn’t.” Perry looked injured. “I stood at the back of the church and watched him ranting from the pulpit.”

“Then you’ll oblige me by leaving it at that.”

“You’ve heard nothing more?” Dan intervened.

“No, but he is being followed.” Sebastian gazed at the ceiling. “I agree that his disappearance is a little strange, especially at this time, but we must take great care not to alarm him.”

“Why so?” Dan was unconvinced.

“Must I explain to you young hot-heads? If the man’s dealings are above-board we shall be guilty of unwarranted interference in his affairs.”

“And if not?”

Sebastian hesitated, considering his words with care. “Our quarry may take fright and disappear.”

“Good riddance!” Dan insisted warmly. “So much the better for Judith!”

“No, Dan, think! If he is the villain you believe him to be, will he give up the chance to get his hands upon a fortune?”

Dan paled. “You mean…you mean that we may be putting Judith in great danger?”

“That is possible. Girls have been seized before and forced into marriage with unscrupulous men. Once wed, and with the money in his hands, he would leave no trace behind him.”

Perry sprang from his seat and began to pace the room. “We can’t have that!”

“Agreed!” His brother’s face was calm. “You both see now that we must proceed with caution?” Sebastian leaned back in his chair, satisfied that he had made his point.

Still doubtful, he’d have been concerned to learn that he had hit upon the truth.

The threat of blackmail had caused the Reverend Truscott to spend a sleepless night. Then, as his initial panic subsided he began to pull himself together. Still unaware that he was being followed, he paid a second visit to “The Rookery”, carrying with him the contents of the collection box. This was irritating. Such funds had previously found their way into his private account, but no matter. He had begun to lay his plans.

As he had expected, the money was regarded simply as a down payment. His mother and her friends intended to bleed him white. He permitted himself a grim smile. They did not know him.

With a promise of a further payment before the week was out he explained that he was called away on parish work for the next day or two. He didn’t intend to waste this brief respite. Judith must be satisfied with a note explaining his absence. He had other matters to attend.

His next journey took him into the pauper colony of Seven Dials. His destination was a brick-built dwelling, apparently no better than any of the others. He let himself in with his own key, and looked about him with a grunt of satisfaction. This was one in the eye for his high-principled parishioners. He’d lavished money on the place, delighted to be putting it to better use than throwing it away on a bunch of ragged urchins.

The place was empty, and his face grew dark with rage. Where the devil was the wench? She was supposed to be here when he wanted her.

When he heard her footstep on the stair he waited behind the door, seizing her from behind as she entered the room. Twisting his fingers in her hair he dragged her round to face him, smiling as she whimpered with pain.

“You’re hurting me!” she cried.

“I’ll hurt you even more, you slut, if you don’t obey my orders. Didn’t I say that you weren’t to leave the house? Been playing me false, have you?” He tightened his grip, forcing her to her knees.

“I wunna do that.” Her eyes were watering with agony. “I went out for bread…” She pointed to her basket. “I weren’t expecting you. You didn’t let me know.”

“I’m not likely to do that,” he said softly. “Will I give you the chance to get up to some trick?” He dragged her to her feet.

The sight of her pain had roused him. With one swift movement he ripped her gown from neck to hem, flung her on the bed, and threw himself upon her like an animal.

It was growing dark before he was fully satiated. With a growl he kicked her away from him.

“Fetch your brothers!” he ordered. “I have work for them.”