A Dorset Girl Read online

  Edward gazed at him steadily over his glass. ‘Why yes, Daniel. Your passage is booked and the ship will not wait. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?’

  ‘Why no, sir. It’s come as a complete surprise, that’s all.’

  ‘A pleasant one, I trust.’ His father rose and threw a friendly arm around his shoulders, subjecting him to a brief squeeze before letting him go. ‘Stay the night and we’ll discuss further details over breakfast. Hell! Why don’t you move in as my guest for the next couple of weeks? Then I can make sure you’re kitted out properly.’

  Overwhelmed by his generosity, Daniel smiled. This was beyond his wildest dreams. ‘Won’t that be an imposition?’

  ‘I’ll be glad of your company. Females are all very well in their place, but sometimes they talk such damned fluff and nonsense. One can relax in the company of men.’

  ‘Thank you very much, sir,’ Daniel said, feeling very manly and so much in his father’s confidence that he mentioned Siana several times over the course of the next ten minutes.

  ‘One can’t help feeling you think a lot of the girl,’ Edward said lazily.

  ‘I’ve never met anyone like her before. She is so brave, and clever.’ Slightly befuddled with the brandy, Daniel lost all caution as he smiled broadly and announced, ‘We have a secret understanding.’

  Edward slowly exhaled. ‘Is that wise, Daniel?’

  ‘No, it’s not wise, but she has responsibilities. She needs me.’

  ‘Ah, I see. You know, sometimes the protective instinct in the male can be mistaken for something else. A clever woman will take advantage of it.’

  Which planted another seed of doubt in Daniel’s mind and, although Edward changed the subject, the doubt remained.

  For an hour or so, they talked of politics and the state of the nation which, according to his father, was in a bad way. ‘You cannot live indefinitely beyond your means, remember that, Daniel. Plan your life so there is money put aside. When it’s time to wed, find a woman modest in every way except for her means.’

  ‘What about love, sir?’

  ‘Ah . . . love.’ He was smiling now. ‘Love makes you vulnerable. Never let love get in the way of good business sense. Women often misread your intentions and demand more than a man is prepared, or able, to give them.’

  And Daniel knew Edward was referring to his mother.

  ‘The moral of this, of course, is to promise nothing to a woman until you have sown all your wild oats and are completely sure of what you want from life.’ Edward threw his cigar stump into the ashes then stood and rang for the manservant. ‘Show Mr Ayres to the guest room, Harrison. I’ll expect his every need to be met whilst he’s here.’

  The manservant smiled slightly. ‘Yes, sir. I’m quite sure they will be.’

  ‘Goodnight, Daniel. I hope you’ll enjoy the comfort of the bedroom I’ve had prepared for you.’

  Daniel was surprised to find the room he’d been allocated already occupied. The girl was young and slender, with long dark hair, soulful brown eyes and a full-lipped mouth. Seated cross-legged on the bed she smiled as he gazed at her. She looked totally innocent until she arched her back like an elegant cat, giving him a glimpse of dark shadow where her chemise had ridden up.

  His crotch began to tighten and he sucked in a breath.

  Stepping from the bed, the girl walked barefoot towards him. When she reached him she fell to her knees and loosened the flaps on his trousers. The rouge on her mouth formed a ruby oval as she cupped him in her hands and leaned forward. Her hair fell in a curtain of dark perfumed ripples as it tumbled over her face. Her tongue was warm and moist.

  A few moments later in complete and absolute ecstasy, he whispered, ‘Christ!’

  He spent the next two weeks in the company of his father during the day. His nights were occupied by the delicious and dusky-skinned Jasmine. He hurriedly visited his godfather, and said goodbye to his mother. About to board the ship that was to take him to the continent, he remembered Siana Lewis and scribbled her a note, which he handed to his father.

  Edward approached Reverend Richard White shortly before Daisy was due to be discharged from hospital.

  ‘I need your advice, Richard,’ he said. ‘I have a letter for Siana Lewis from Daniel. The boy didn’t have time to deliver it himself.’

  Richard expressed surprise. ‘He was here to say goodbye yesterday. Why didn’t he leave it with me then?’

  The squire shrugged. ‘He’s been busy. You know how hectic the social life of young men is. He didn’t write it until last night. But I wanted to consult with you about his relationship with Siana Lewis. I don’t really want the relationship to continue.’

  ‘I’ve been thinking along those lines myself lately. I thought this trip might allow him to get over his infatuation with her.’

  ‘It would, Richard. But she’s a fetching little thing, and a year isn’t long, especially if the girl is here to come back to. Daniel is not unskilled in the art of seduction. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hadn’t succumbed to him already. She’s of an age.’ He shrugged. ‘But I’ve been listening to gossip and perhaps I’m doing the girl an injustice. Just because the mother had a reputation, it doesn’t mean the daughter has inherited the same low standard of morals.’

  Richard’s eyes sharpened. ‘Daniel surely hasn’t indicated that she lacks virtue? I had the impression their regard for each other was pure.’

  ‘I’m not suggesting it isn’t. It’s just idle talk.’

  ‘Dear God!’ Richard appeared quite agitated. ‘I couldn’t keep a girl of bad reputation under my roof. If the bishop got to hear of it, he’d take me to task.’

  ‘Quite. Then there’s the young sister to take into consideration. An infant would be a totally disruptive element in your household.’

  ‘Yes, it had occurred to me that it might be wise to let her go.’

  ‘You mustn’t worry about it, Richard. I’ll deal with the problem. The workhouse is under my governorship. It will be easier if you just write a note to the girl to that effect. I’ll make sure she gets it.’

  Richard sighed as he moved to the writing desk. ‘Such a pity. She’s a bright little thing and I thought eventually to lift her from her poverty.’

  ‘You’re too good, Richard. I’ll do what I can for the family, of course. The father was one of my workers, after all.’

  Richard wrote a note of dismissal to Siana, wishing her well in the future. He added a reference praising her work and enclosed a few shillings, the sum total of her wages and her small amount of savings. He sent Mrs Leeman upstairs to pack the girl’s goods. Mrs Leeman’s reproachful look filled him with guilt, but she said nothing.

  Richard decided he would go over to the church later and pray for the girl’s soul. The Lord in his wisdom would look after her. As an afterthought, he added an extra three shillings to the bundle, replacing the money which her stepfather had drawn before his death. His generous gesture eased the burden of his guilt.

  ‘I’ll send her chattels over to the workhouse in the morning.’

  Edward eyed the small bundle. ‘Have it tied to my saddle. I’ll take them with me.’

  They shared another glass of sherry as they discussed the Tolpuddle troublemakers.

  ‘We simply cannot allow farm labourers to set up unions in the district. They call it bargaining strength, I call it an attempt to blackmail the landowners,’ Edward growled. ‘James Frampton is gathering evidence which will convict the five labourers concerned.’

  Richard murmured, ‘Squire Frampton is diligent in his pursuit of the miscreants.’

  ‘They’ll be going to trial at the Dorchester Assizes next month. I see no problem in getting a conviction. The judge is Baron Williams and the jury foreman is tipped to be William Ponsonby who, as you know, is the brother-in-law of the Home Secretary.’

  ‘A worthy jury, I hear,’ Richard said piously. ‘Being magistrates, most of them have the experience to deal with the unusual char
ge. Are you expecting trouble?’

  ‘Most certainly. Personally, I’d be inclined to hang them all. But they have many supporters, so to avoid further unrest I imagine they’ll be sentenced to transportation. It will get them out of the way whilst the hubbub dies down. They’ll soon be forgotten.’

  He changed the subject. ‘By the way, Richard, I was talking to the bishop the other day. I’m thinking of suggesting an increase in the living for this parish.’ As Edward prepared to leave, he picked up his son’s letter to Siana Lewis. ‘Your advice, Richard. Should I deliver it or not?’

  Richard made the decision expected of him. Plucking it from Edward’s fingers, he smiled and dropped the letter into the fire.

  Edward was smiling too when he left. He tucked Richard’s note to Siana in the pocket of his greatcoat and turned his horse towards Croxley Farm. It was time to finalize the contract with Tom Skinner.

  Elizabeth was upstairs when she heard the hoof beats.

  There was a little rush of blood to her face when she glanced out of the window to see Edward coming along the lane. Removing her apron, she tidied her hair, pinched some colour into her cheeks and sprinkled a little rose-water onto her neck and wrists.

  She didn’t hurry when he knocked at the door, just moved sedately down the stairs.

  She affected surprise when she opened the door. ‘Edward, how lovely to see you.’

  He shuffled from one foot to the other. ‘I came to see your husband.’

  ‘Of course, but he’s gone to the market.’ She stood aside. ‘You look cold. Can I offer you some refreshment? I’d like to take this opportunity to talk to you about Daniel now Tom is absent. Some things need to be kept private between us.’

  He stooped his head slightly as he entered. ‘I can’t stay for long.’

  ‘Let me take your hat and coat.’ She deposited the garments on a chair and smiled at him. Dear God! She’d forgotten how handsome he was. She’d thought Tom’s brutality had deadened any such feelings in her, but despite all that had happened, the sight of Edward filled her loins with a familiar and unwelcome lust.

  ‘Come into the drawing room. The fire’s lit and it’s warmer in there.’

  He followed her in, his glance sweeping over her from head to toe. ‘You look thinner, but it suits you,’ he said, reaching out to gently cup her face. ‘Is your husband still treating you badly?’

  Elizabeth shrugged and turned her cheek in a brief caress against his palm. ‘He knows no other way. He’s learned to place the bruises where they don’t show. But let’s not talk of that. I wanted to thank you for what you did for Daniel. He’s always wanted to go abroad.’

  He inclined his head. ‘I needed to do something for him. I’m thinking of investing a settlement for him before Isabelle provides me with an heir. It will mature when he reaches the age of twenty-five. That will keep the damned fortune-hunters away until he’s learned some sense.’

  Her heart sank when he mentioned his forthcoming marriage. ‘Would you like a brandy?’

  ‘Not if it’s the rot-gut sold by the inn.’

  ‘It’s not. I brought this with me from your house in Dorchester.’

  He gave a short bark of laughter. ‘You dare to offer me a glass of brandy from a bottle you stole from me? I could have you thrown in jail, woman.’

  ‘I stole a dozen bottles and I’m already in jail.’ She gave a little groan as she rose from her chair.

  His eyes hooded over. ‘What ails you?’

  ‘Nothing.’

  In an instant he was by her side. ‘You should know by now. When I ask a question, I expect a truthful answer. Let me see what he’s done to you.’

  When she shook her head, his fingers went to the buttons on her bodice. She shivered as he began to expose her breasts, stilling his hands when he uncovered a bruise.

  ‘Damn that barbarian,’ he muttered, ‘I’ll take a whip to his back.’ She trembled when he caressed the mark. ‘What did he use? His fists?’

  ‘And his belt. The metal cut me.’

  Edward’s eyes came up to hers, full of fiery rage. ‘I want to see all of it, Elizabeth. Every mark and every bruise.’

  She bit back on her tears. Removing her bodice she allowed him to draw it from her arms. She then loosened her skirt. Stepping out of the garment she placed it across a chair. She stood there in her warm cotton chemise and stockings.

  ‘Drop the chemise.’

  ‘Edward,’ she protested.

  ‘Drop it!’

  He loosened the ties himself and sucked in a breath when it pooled around her ankles. She felt no shame in her nakedness. Edward had often seen her thus. The bruises and welts were livid against her skin. ‘I’ll kill Tom Skinner,’ he breathed.

  ‘I’m his wife. He has the right to do as he pleases with me,’ she said dully.

  ‘Like hell he does,’ Edward growled. ‘Do you have any salve?’

  ‘There’s some witch hazel in the kitchen.’

  He fetched it. Holding the liquid in his cupped palm to warm it at first, he gradually applied it to her contusions.

  His ministrations were soothing and she gave a little murmur of appreciation. Gradually his breathing began to grow heavier. When he had finished, he pulled her back against him, his erection pressing hard and urgent against the cleft of her buttocks.

  ‘I’d forgotten how exquisite your body was, Elizabeth. You cannot throw me out in this state. I beg you, allow me some ease.’

  She smiled. Edward had never begged for anything in his life. She was as aroused as he was now. He turned her round, his palms circling her breasts. His eyes were heavy with passion. ‘How long have we got?’

  It had been a long time since they’d made love. When they’d been together, her attraction for him had faded towards the end of the relationship. Now it was back with a vengeance, it seemed. She would have laughed at his need for her if she hadn’t been inflicted by need herself. It had been a long time since anyone had treated her so tenderly.

  They wouldn’t be disturbed. She’d helped Josh complete his chores earlier that day and had given him some time off. ‘Tom won’t be back until after dark,’ she replied. But it would serve him right if he came home earlier and found them together, she thought. It would be a delicious revenge.

  He groaned as he hoisted her in his arms and headed for the stairs. He took her on the marital bed she shared unwillingly with her husband, filling her with the potent power of his need and making her cry out with each slow and ecstatic surrender.

  It was nearly dark when his passion was finally expended. Edward began to wonder if he’d made a mistake in discarding Elizabeth.

  Then he remembered the youthful and unsullied charms of Siana Lewis. She was the one he had to have. Pleased with the reaffirmation of his manly prowess, for he’d been jaded of late, Edward narrowed his eyes as he recognized in his craving something of the herd bull in him. He looked forward to being the one to storm the Lewis girl’s defences and accept the surrender of her innocence, before someone else did.

  On the way out he nearly tripped over a lad in the yard. He was thin and pale with large eyes. He gave a cheeky smile as he pulled his forelock. ‘If it be Tom Skinner you’re after seeing, he’ll be at the inn, sir – as he is every market day at this time.’

  Edward stared at him for a moment – a moment filled with awareness. A smile touched his mouth. Tossing the lad a coin, he mounted his horse and rode off into the gloom.

  It was with a clear conscience that Edward ran Tom Skinner to earth at the inn. He felt like a man who’d given Tom a rare and precious gift, only to have that gift abused. The man was an oaf. There was no reason why Edward couldn’t enjoy Elizabeth still, if and when he needed to. If necessary he’d take her back.

  However, he had need of Tom at the moment. He needed him to help Siana Lewis realize the lie of the land. He wanted the girl to be grateful to him, and to come to his arms willingly, like Elizabeth had. This afternoon had taught him he was a man in
his prime. Elizabeth being another man’s wife simply added a dangerous and exciting edge to the relationship.

  Love was a game. A game he intended to win. He intended to enjoy both Elizabeth and Siana, as well as get a child or two on Isabelle when they wed.

  Although Elizabeth’s injuries were uppermost in his mind, he knew he couldn’t charge Tom Skinner with them and remain anonymous as her lover. Eventually he’d find a way to repay Tom for his treatment of her, though.

  The hour was early and the few people in the room became quiet when he entered. He accepted an ale from the barman, then, buying a round of drinks, drew Tom Skinner to one side.

  Despite his resolve to the contrary, money changed hands. It was more money than Edward had expected to pay for Tom Skinner’s services, but he was assured the girl was untouched. Tom could expect the second half of the payment only if the goods proved undamaged.

  Oblivious to the manipulation surrounding her, Siana was light of heart. Daisy had improved considerably and she was to be discharged from the infirmary the following day.

  She wondered if Daniel had talked to the reverend yet about allowing her sister to live under his roof. Daisy didn’t eat much and in return Siana was willing to accept less pay for her work there. In fact, the reverend had been so good to her in the past, she knew she’d work for just bread and board if it meant Daisy had a home with her.

  Her hopes were dashed, however, when the woman in charge of the ward handed her a sealed package. There was a note inside.

  Dear Miss Lewis,

  Circumstances render me unable to maintain the continuance of your employment.

  Enclosed is the sum of money due to you, which includes wages and the amount withheld by me in credit on your behalf. Your chattels have been deposited at the infirmary gatehouse.

  Further contact will be neither expected, nor encouraged.

  Yours faithfully,

  Reverend Richard White

  Totally unprepared, Siana stared at the note. Oh God! She’d lost her job. She couldn’t believe Richard White would do this to her. He was a Christian.

  But then, the man who’d fathered her had supposedly been a Christian, too.