A Place Called Home (35 page)

Bedwin drained his cup, his face flushed and his eyes shining. ‘I have the perfect solution, Miss Lucy. Marriott Park hasn't been occupied for years. Sir William closed it up after your grandmother died, leaving a caretaker in sole charge.'

‘But it belongs to Linus now,' Lucy said impatiently. ‘I can't go there.'

‘It's last place he'd think of looking for you, miss. I remember him coming there when he was a boy and he was nothing but trouble. He hated the countryside and he made himself so objectionable that Lady Marriott sent him home to his mother. On his last day he swore he'd never put a foot in the place again, and to the best of my knowledge he never has.'

‘Are you certain of that, Bedwin?'

‘As certain as I can be of anything, Miss Lucy.'

‘But the caretaker would tell Linus.'

‘I know Ron Lugg well. He was head gardener years ago and he had more reason than most to dislike Master Linus.'

‘It might be the answer,' Hester murmured. ‘Bram would sort Linus out if he knew what was going on.'

‘We don't want Bram to get into trouble because of Linus, and I've only got until midday tomorrow.' Lucy stared at the clock on the mantelshelf as if seeking inspiration. ‘We'll do it, but I can't just turn up at Marriott Park. You must come with us, Bedwin, so that you can explain things to Lugg.'

‘Yes, Miss Lucy. But how will we travel?'

‘I don't know yet. I'll have to visit Mr Goldspink tomorrow morning to tell him what's happened, and maybe he can advance me the money for the train fares. Whatever happens, we have to leave London.'

Lucy was waiting outside the office door when Goldspink arrived at eight o'clock. She knew that he was a punctual man who kept long office hours and she was not disappointed. His jaw dropped when he saw her. ‘Miss Pocket. You're an early bird.'

‘I'm in dire trouble, Mr Goldspink. I need your help.'

‘Come inside, dear lady.' He produced a large iron key and unlocked the door, ushering her into the stuffy room. ‘Forgive the untidiness,' he murmured apologetically. ‘I was rather busy yesterday.'

The state of the office seemed exactly the same as she remembered it from her last visit, but she made no comment as she waited for him to find the chair beneath a pile of books and ledgers. Sweating profusely, he dusted the seat and motioned her to sit down. ‘Now then, Miss Pocket, how has your situation changed?'

‘I have to leave London before noon or the police will arrest me for abducting the children. Linus made the charges because I couldn't repay the sixty guineas he gave me for their keep.'

‘I see.' Goldspink perched on his chair, eyeing her curiously. ‘A trumped-up charge?'

‘He's determined to ruin me, sir. He only wants his offspring because he can't afford to pay servants, and I'm afraid he'll treat them abominably. I accepted the money in good faith and I spent most of it making a home for the children.'

He rested his elbow on the desk, peering at her intently. ‘Quite so. It was a reasonable expenditure, and something that was foisted upon you by Mr Daubenay. Why would he behave in such a manner towards you?'

‘I think he's desperate for money, and he intends to bankrupt me and take my only asset, which is the house in Leman Street.'

‘And I suppose you cannot contact Lieutenant Southwood – or should I say Mr Southwood?'

‘That's correct. I think that Bram will be moving his things out of the barracks tomorrow, but that will be too late. Linus has made certain of that.'

‘So what do you intend to do?'

‘I thought perhaps you might give me a small loan.'

‘Dear lady, I would if I could.' Goldspink opened a drawer and pulled out a cash box. ‘It's not even locked.' He lifted the lid and tipped it upside down. ‘Empty. Not a penny piece.'

‘Then I'll have to do as I planned and leave London for the country. And there again I'm hampered by lack of funds. I'll have to find the money for our train fares.'

‘Dear me.' He shook his head. ‘You are in a pretty pickle and no mistake. Is there no one to whom you can turn?'

‘There is one person. I suppose I could ask Piers, but it would put me in an embarrassing position.'

Goldspink angled his head. ‘More embarrassing than being arrested?'

‘Well, no.' Lucy stood up. ‘You're right, Mr Goldspink. This isn't the time to be proud. I'll go to Jermyn Street and ask for his help.' She was about to leave, but she hesitated. ‘I've no doubt Bram will contact you soon. Would you be kind enough to give him a message from me?'

‘Most certainly.'

‘Tell him that Hester knows where we've gone.'

‘I'll do that, of course, but first I have some good news for you regarding your grandmother.' He stood up and walked round the desk, beaming at her. ‘I've been in touch with the court where her case was heard and she has only a few months of her sentence left. I took it upon myself to petition the local magistrate for her early release on the grounds of ill health. Whether or not it will be granted is another matter, but there is always hope.'

She shook his hand. ‘Thank you. That's wonderful. I'm truly grateful.'

‘It hasn't happened yet, but I'll keep Mr Southwood informed and he can pass the information on to you. I'd prefer not to know where you are until the matter with Mr Daubenay is settled.'

‘I understand.' She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. ‘Thank you again. It's good to know I have at least one friend in London.'

His dark skin flushed scarlet. ‘You'd better hurry, if you're going to Jermyn Street, or you won't get home in time.'

‘I'll run all the way.'

Arriving breathless and dishevelled, Lucy faced the footman with an imperious toss of her head. ‘Please inform Mr Northam that Miss Pocket wishes to see him on urgent business.'

‘Wait here, please. I'll see if the master is at home.'

‘He must be,' Lucy cried in desperation. ‘Assure him that it is of the utmost urgency.' She stepped into the vestibule, patting her tumbled hair into place. Her bonnet had come off as she raced along the Strand, and she had not stopped to put it on. She glanced at her reflection in one of the gilt-framed mirrors and wiped a smut from the tip of her nose. It seemed as if time had stood still while she waited for the footman to return, but eventually he re-appeared and showed her to the morning parlour. Moments later Piers entered the room. He took in her appearance with raised eyebrows. ‘What's brought you here so early, and in such a state of disarray?'

‘I had to see you, Piers. I need your help or I wouldn't have presumed on your good nature.'

He stared at her, unsmiling. ‘You didn't seem to think much of my good nature at our last meeting. You led me to think I was the last man on earth you wanted to associate with.'

‘That's not true. I refused your offer of marriage, but that doesn't mean I have no regard for you.'

‘Sit down and tell me what you want. I haven't time to play games.'

She sank down on a chair by the fireplace. ‘This isn't a game. I need to borrow some money for train fares. The children and I have to leave London before midday or Linus will have me arrested for their abduction.'

‘Abduction? What nonsense.'

‘Yes, of course it is. You and I both know that, but Linus is determined to ruin me.'

‘Then let him have his children. If he is their father then he is their legal guardian, not you.'

‘I can't allow that, Piers. He'll treat them abominably.'

‘The law is on his side, Lucy.'

‘He's desperate for money because of his gambling. He'll take my home from me to pay his debts, and then he'll lose the house in Albemarle Street and Marriott Park. There'll be nothing left.'

Piers gave her a long look. ‘What do you want me to do?'

‘I need money to get us away from London. I'll repay you as soon as possible. It's just a loan, only I didn't know who else to turn to.'

‘What about your friend Lieutenant Southwood? I thought you two were close.'

‘Bram is an old friend, that's all.'

‘Dora will be pleased to hear that. She was quite smitten by his charms.'

Lucy leapt to her feet. ‘Are you prepared to help me or not?'

He stood up slowly, reaching out to brush back a lock of her hair that had fallen across her forehead. ‘I'll do more than that. I'll take you all in my carriage, but on one condition.'

‘Anything, Piers. Name your price.'

‘That you agree to become my wife. I've fought against it, heaven knows, but my feelings for you haven't changed, and if this is the only way to win your hand in marriage, so be it.'

She stared at him, shocked by his proposal, which could not have come easily to a proud man like Piers. ‘But I don't love you.'

‘You did once.'

‘I thought I did, but I was mistaken.' She stood up. ‘I'm sorry, but it wouldn't work. We'd end up hating each other.'

He moved to the door and opened it. ‘Then I can't help you.'

She walked out of the room. There was nothing left between them, not even friendship. Dry-eyed and saddened, she was about to leave the house when she heard Dora calling her. She stopped and turned to see her friend hurrying across the entrance hall. ‘Wait. Please wait, Lucy.'

‘I can't stop, Dora. I have to leave London by midday.'

‘But why? I don't understand what's going on. Piers looks like thunder and now you tell me you're going away.'

‘It's Linus. He's the cause of it. You'll have to ask Piers because I must go.'

Dora caught her by the sleeve. ‘Why did you come here if it wasn't to see me?'

‘I'm not proud of myself. I came to borrow money from your brother because he's the only person I could think of to ask. I have to take the children to a place of safety and I can't raise the train fare.'

Dora's eyes widened and her pretty mouth formed a circle of surprise. ‘You're running away?'

‘I haven't got time for this. I have to go, Dora.'

‘Wait.' Dora put her hand in her pocket. ‘I have a guinea. It's the last of my allowance and I was going to spend it on a new bonnet, but your need is greater than mine.' She pressed it into Lucy's hand. ‘I don't know how far it will get you, but it's all I have.'

Lucy kissed her on the cheek. ‘Thank you. I'll pay you back as soon as I can, and now I really must go.'

‘Good luck,' Dora called after her.

Lucy arrived in Leman Street with little time to spare. She had walked to Charing Cross and caught the Bow omnibus which dropped her off in Whitechapel. It had been an extravagance, but the minutes were flying by and she needed to get home quickly. Bedwin was waiting for her in the hall with the children. Bertie met her with a frown. ‘Why do I have to go? I've lost my job because of this, and I was getting on well in the bakery.'

Breathless from running, Lucy met his surly gaze with a straight look. ‘Perhaps you'd rather go and live with your pa. I'm sure he'd have plenty of work for you to do.'

Maggie began to cry and Vicky put her arm around her sister's shoulder. ‘It's an adventure, Mags. We're going back to the country. You remember our little cottage in the forest? It will be just like that.'

Hester appeared from the depths of the house carrying a wicker basket. ‘I've brought food for the journey and something for your supper. You'd best make haste or the coppers will be here and it will be too late.'

‘Hold on a moment.' Pearl came racing down the stairs preceded by a cloud of cigarette smoke. ‘I've got three bob you can have, Lucy.' She thrust her hand in her pocket and produced the coins.

Bedwin picked up the largest of the cases. ‘Mr Rossman contributed five shillings towards our fares.'

‘And Gilbert added a half-crown,' Hester said, blushing rosily. ‘He's taking me to the music hall on Saturday.'

Lucy gave her a hug. ‘Take care of everything while I'm away. I don't know when we'll return but I hope it won't be too long. You will tell Bram where we've gone, won't you?'

‘Of course I will, and he'll sort everything out. You can rely on Bramwell.'

Bedwin stepped outside. ‘Best be quick, Miss Lucy. I can see a blue uniform heading this way.'

It was late afternoon by the time they arrived at Marriott Park. The children were subdued, the excitement at travelling on a train for the first time having worn off after waiting over an hour for a connection, and suffering the discomfort of travelling third class on a branch line where the train stopped at every station. They had walked the mile or so from the station in the blistering heat and were now hot, tired and crotchety.

‘Where are we?' demanded Bertie, running his finger round the inside of his stiff white collar. ‘Why have we stopped here, Mr Bedwin? It's the middle of nowhere.'

Bedwin dumped the cases on the ground, took off his top hat and mopped his brow. ‘We've reached our destination. Or I should say we're close to the gatehouse where Lugg lives.'

‘Slug,' Maggie said, giggling. ‘It's a good name for a gardener.'

Lucy smiled and gave her a hug. ‘Don't let him hear you calling him that, darling. We're going to depend on Mr Lugg to keep us safe, and he might refuse to take us in. After all, he depends on Linus for his livelihood.'

‘What's a livelihood?' Maggie asked, puzzled.

‘Don't be silly, Mags.' Vicky took off her bonnet and dangled it by its strings. ‘I'm tired, Lucy. Is it much further?'

Lucy sent a questioning look to Bedwin. ‘Is it far?'

He picked up the cases. ‘See that gap in the hedgerow? The gates are set back from the lane. You could ride past and not know they were there. Come along, it's just a step or two now.'