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‘Sweetheart, I just did. And anyone else who tries to harm you will get the same.’ His voice was thick with suppressed rage, hatred still flamed in his eyes, and Reuben saw it.
‘Now see here, Tom – kettle’s just on the boil. Make the lass some tea – with plenty of sugar. Don’t leave her, though. Stay with her – you hear me?’
‘Why? Where are you off to? Don’t get caught up in it, Reuben. Elliot Sutton is my business.’
‘And Alice is mine, and I’m off to Rowangarth. Miss Clitherow’s got to be told about this. She’s got her ladyship’s ear; she’ll know what’s to be done.’ He clicked his fingers at the spaniel. ‘I’ll take the dog back. Someone’s got to clean him up. And Mr Giles will have to be told, an’ all. Now do as I say. Stay with the lass,’ he instructed. ‘Leave things be, and do nowt till I’m back. And that’s an order!’
8 (#ulink_722690e2-6378-5249-97bc-73800916b5d8)
‘Well now. This is a fine to-do, and no mistake.’ Agnes Clitherow removed her bonnet and cape. ‘Those scratches – how did you get them?’ she murmured, turning Alice’s face to the window.
‘Him, that’s who! What kind of a man would attack a bit of a lass!’ The words poured derisively from the young keeper. ‘A damn good hiding – that’s what he needs!’
‘Thank you, Dwerryhouse, you may wait outside. And Reuben, a basin if you please, and a little clean, cold water. Now, miss.’ The housekeeper rolled up her sleeves. ‘Let’s get you cleaned up.’
Taking lint, disinfectant, and a pot of marshmallow salve from her basket, she nodded her thanks to the elderly keeper, indicating with the slightest movement of her head that she wished him too to leave.
‘Elliot Sutton, Reuben tells me,’ she said without preamble, combining hot and cold water in the basin, adding liquid from the green, glass-stoppered bottle. ‘Did he – harm you?’
‘No, ma’am, though he would have if Morgan hadn’t gone for him,’ Alice choked, eyes on her tightly knotted fingers. ‘I didn’t give him cause, I swear I didn’t. I tried to run away – that’s how I fell into the bramble bush.’
‘But there was no –’ The middle-aged spinster paused, searching for words.
‘I know what you mean, and no, there wasn’t.’ Tears filled her eyes again.
‘And you’ll swear, Hawthorn, it was Elliot Sutton?’
‘On the Bible, I will. And Tom hit him hard, he told me, and I scratched his face an’ all, so there’ll be marks to show for it. But Tom won’t get into trouble, will he, because of me?’
‘Dwerryhouse, it would seem, acted under provocation. If what Reuben told me is true, there’ll be no trouble – not for your Tom, that is – when I’ve told her ladyship.’
‘Milady! Does she have to know?’ Alice cried, dismayed. ‘I’d prefer it were kept quiet.’ Imagine Mrs Shaw’s indignation if it all came out. And that wouldn’t be the end of it either, because there might be those who’d say she had led him on. It would be his word against hers, and who would believe a servant? ‘Please, ma’am, leave it be! Don’t tell anyone!’
‘Don’t tell? Have you seen the state you’re in? Clothes torn and your face scratched and swollen. Come along now – off with that blouse and camisole, and let me have a look at you. This might sting a little,’ she murmured, wringing out the lint cloth, ‘but it won’t seem half so bad when we’ve got you tidied up. Oh, my goodness!’ she gasped, dismayed. Dwerryhouse was right, she thought. What kind of a man would do this? ‘These cuts need cleaning.’
‘They would. He had me on the ground. But I fought him – drew blood –’
‘Good for you. And we have no choice but to tell Lady Sutton about this – you realize that, Hawthorn? And Mr Giles, too. I know it’ll be an embarrassment,’ she hastened on, ‘but her ladyship is responsible for those who work for her, and she’s going to be very angry, if I’m not mistaken.’
‘Not with me!’
‘Of course not with you, Hawthorn. Goodness – we all know you better than that. Mind, Dwerryhouse would have done better to have kept a hold on his temper. It isn’t for him to take the law into his own hands, though we can all be wise with hindsight.
‘There now,’ she smiled. ‘Feels easier already, doesn’t it? And the marshmallow will help those scratches heal quickly. Now tidy your hair and wrap my cape around you and we’ll be off. We’ll go in by the front door, I think, and you’d better go to the sewing-room. And if anyone should see you, tell them you slipped on the path and fell into some brambles – that’ll take care of the scratches – though how we’ll explain away the state your clothes are in, I really don’t know.’
‘Me neither, ma’am, but thank you,’ Alice whispered. ‘And I’m sorry you had to be brought into it.’ Tears, unstoppable now, ran down her cheeks. ‘And what they’re all going to think of me, I don’t know. It’s so – so shaming …’
‘Oh, come now.’ The housekeeper offered her a white, lace-edged handkerchief. ‘There’s no blame attached to you, though I can understand your distress. It isn’t the nicest thing to have happened to a young girl.
‘But dry your face and try to stop crying, or you’ll look a worse sight than ever. Just say as little as possible, if you’re asked. As soon as we’re back, go to your bedroom and make yourself presentable, then wait in the sewing-room – now is that understood?’
When Agnes Clitherow shepherded Alice outside, Tom was at her side at once.
‘All right now, sweetheart? Feeling a bit better? Think I’d best walk you both home, Miss Clitherow. Don’t know if he might still be hanging about.’
‘I thank you, Dwerryhouse, but I’m well able to take care of myself, and Hawthorn, too. And I hope that you’ll both be discreet about this. We want no scandal attached to Rowangarth.’ Goodness, no. The Place Suttons could provide more than enough for both houses.
‘Don’t fret,’ Reuben was quick to assure her. ‘There’ll be nowt said. And thanks, miss, for your help.’
‘Thanks are not required.’ Slowly, carefully, the older woman drew on her gloves. ‘You did right to come to me – now leave it with me; is that understood?’
They said it was and tipped their caps, murmuring a respectful goodnight.
‘Night, Reuben – and thanks for all you did,’ Alice whispered, clasping the cape tightly around her nakedness. ‘And, Tom – will you keep an eye open for Morgan’s lead on your way back? I dropped it …’
‘I’ll find it,’ he smiled, touching her cheek with gentle fingertips. ‘Goodnight, lass, and try not to worry.’
She smiled briefly and said she wouldn’t, though it was easier said than done. There would be trouble, especially for Tom, because servants didn’t hit their betters and get away with it. And it only seemed like minutes ago, she mourned silently, that she had been so very happy.
‘Will you tell me,’ Helen Sutton demanded of her housekeeper, ‘what is so very urgent that it cannot wait until morning?’
‘It’s Hawthorn, milady. She was attacked in Brattocks Wood, tonight. These were almost torn off her.’
‘Hawthorn? But is she all right? Where is she?’ Her eyes were wide with apprehension as she regarded the garments. ‘These are ripped to shreds. Someone must have used terrible force. This is awful – monstrous! I must see her at once, poor child!’
‘With respect, milady – no. There are things I should tell you first. I’ve sent Hawthorn to the sewing-room. It isn’t likely anyone will go up there yet awhile. With dinner just finished, they’ll all be busy downstairs.’
‘But attacked? She wasn’t –?’
‘No. She assured me it wasn’t – that, though it might well have been if the dog hadn’t defended her.’
‘Dog? Giles’s Morgan, you mean?’
‘Morgan. According to Reuben, that creature’s got another side to him. If he hadn’t been with Hawthorn, it’s almost certain we’d be worrying about something very serious indeed. The word that comes to mind, if you’ll pardon me, milady, is –’
‘Rape?’ Helen Sutton supplied, chalk-faced. ‘Please sit down, Miss Clitherow. I think you’d better tell me about it – all!’
‘Elliot!’ It had not made pretty hearing. Helen Sutton’s jaws clamped tight on her anger. ‘How dare he? Here, on my land and to one of my household! Is there no stopping him? But he’s gone too far this time!’ Family or no, her nephew must be confronted, accused. Drawing in her breath, biting back the flow of condemnation, she whispered, ‘Has my son been told?’
‘Not yet, milady. I came to you first. But I think you should know that the dog is with William. Reuben left him at the stables before he came to me; told them Morgan had got himself in a mess in the woods, and that someone had better clean him up before Mr Giles saw him.’
‘And William believed him?’
‘That I don’t know. William’s a gossip, we all know that. If he sets eyes on Hawthorn the state she’s in now, he’ll put two and two together and come up with worse than the truth. Reuben is fond of the girl, you see. I got the impression he’d like it kept quiet, for her sake; but Dwerryhouse – now he’s another matter altogether …’
‘I know. It’s a pity he struck my nephew.’
‘But wouldn’t you have done the same, in his shoes?’ Agnes Clitherow shrugged expressively. ‘It’s no secret he and Hawthorn are walking out. It surprises me he held on to his temper the way he did, and didn’t give the man the leathering he deserves. According to Hawthorn, Elliot Sutton smelled of drink. Sober, he’s obnoxious; under the influence he’s dangerous, if you ask me!’
But her ladyship hadn’t asked her, and the housekeeper felt her cheeks redden, knowing she had stepped outside the bounds of her position.
‘I’m sorry, milady. I beg your pardon – but Hawthorn isn’t a flighty one. She didn’t deserve to go through an experience like that, and I believe her when she said she gave him no encouragement.’
‘Encouragement? When ever did my nephew need that? No. This time he shall be called to answer for his behaviour. His parents must be told.’
‘And Hawthorn?’ Agnes Clitherow rose to her feet, sensing the interview was over. ‘The girl is upset, and sooner or later it’s all going to come out. Falling into a bramble bush is one thing, but the bruising is another; she won’t be a pretty sight in the morning. And the staff have a right to know, milady; to be warned. It seems no woman is safe from him.’
Frowning, Helen Sutton pursed her lips. Those who lived and worked at Rowangarth were indeed her responsibility – hers and Giles’s; they had a right to protection. But Elliot was a Sutton, and because of him the Sutton name would suffer. It was altogether too much!
‘I am bound to agree with you, Miss Clitherow, and I suggest you first discuss the matter with Mrs Shaw. It will be up to you both, then, to agree on what the staff is told, and how much. But I beg you to ask them to be discreet for a little while longer. I would like time to discuss this with my son first. That I must speak to Mrs Sutton is without dispute, but I know the staff will keep the matter out of the village for as long as they can – and be kind to Hawthorn, too. The poor young thing. Are you sure there is nothing I can do?’
‘Best you shouldn’t, milady. Not just yet. She’s very embarrassed at the moment. But when I’ve talked to Cook, I’ll tell Mary to take some milk up to her.’ Milk and honey. The best soother there was. The housekeeper swore by it. ‘Mary’s a sensible girl; I’ll tell her to see Hawthorn into bed and stay with her for a while.’
‘Yes. Perhaps that would be best. And please tell Hawthorn that I hope she’ll feel better in the morning. You’re sure we shouldn’t call the doctor?’
‘As sure as I can be, milady. No lasting harm was done – it might have been a lot worse. And I’ll give Alice one of my herbals to help her sleep.’
Leaving alone, that was what the girl wanted; not being quizzed and prodded by Doctor James, well-meaning though he might be. A bit of sympathy and understanding from her own kind would do more good than physic. And as for Elliot Sutton – well, let his equals deal with him. He was nothing to do with the likes of her, the housekeeper stressed silently, though from the set of her ladyship’s mouth, the young buck at Pendenys was in for a real eye-opening – and not before time, either!
‘I’ll bid you goodnight then, milady.’ Respectfully the suddenly weary woman nodded her head. ‘You can leave the matter of the servants to me.’
‘Thank you.’ Helen Sutton rose to her feet, forcing a smile. ‘I appreciate all you have done. Will you first call in the library and ask Mr Giles to come and see me as soon as he’s able? And goodnight to you, Miss Clitherow.’
‘I would like, Julia,’ said her mother briskly, ‘for you to make haste from the station this morning. No dallying, if you please, when you meet the doctor. I am going to Pendenys and would like to be there before ten.’
‘Why, might I ask?’ Julia frowned. Ten o’clock was calling time; before ten smacked of urgency. ‘You’ll be seeing them on Friday night – can’t it wait?’
‘It can not wait and you might not ask, either. What I have to discuss with your aunt is disturbing enough without having to repeat it over breakfast.’
‘But she has every right to know,’ Giles protested. ‘She’s in just as much danger from the man as any other woman. And she’s bound to find out for herself sooner or later.’
‘Danger? Now I insist you tell me, Mama.’
‘You’d better tell her, then, for I declare I’ve had enough of the sordid business already.’ Helen Sutton rose to her feet. ‘I shall go to my room, or I’ll have a headache.’
‘What is it; what’s going on?’ Julia demanded. ‘Shall I ring for Miss Clitherow? Would you like to lie down, Mama?’
‘No, I thank you. I am well able to take a powder without assistance and I’m sorry if I snapped, but – oh, Giles will tell you. I’ll be all right. Don’t worry.’
‘Don’t worry?’ Julia flamed when the door closed behind her mother. ‘What has upset her so? She looks as if she hasn’t slept all night. What is going on, Giles? What danger? And from which man?’
‘Do you need to ask? Elliot attacked Hawthorn last night in Brattocks. That’s why Mama’s going to Pendenys.’
‘Hawthorn! My, but he’s gone too far this time. Is she all right? He didn’t do anything?’
‘No, but it wasn’t for want of trying, I understand.’
‘My God! Is no one safe from him? He needs whipping.’
‘That he got last night. Dwerryhouse knocked him head over heels.’
‘Good for Dwerryhouse! But where is Hawthorn? I must go to her.’
‘Working in the sewing-room today, I believe.’
‘Right!’ Damn Elliot Sutton! The man was a menace, though no matter what Mama said, his silly mother would get him out of it – again. ‘You should have sent for the constable, Giles. That monster needs locking up!’ she called over her shoulder. Locking up till he’d learned sense, and a few good manners!
‘Oh, Hawthorn!’ Gently Julia touched the swollen cheek. ‘Not you, too! Goodness! That bruise is almost as bad as mine. You poor girl. I know how it hurts. How dare he do that to you?’
‘Elliot Sutton does what he likes hereabouts. It’s thanks to Morgan he didn’t do worse, though. Morgan went for him like a mad thing. Didn’t know the creature had it in him. Had him worried, Morgan did. Pinned him down till Tom got there. But I didn’t stop to see any more. Ran for all I was worth …’
‘Giles told me that Tom hit Elliot?’
‘He did, and I hope there’ll be no trouble. But Tom was real mad. Could have throttled him, he said.’
‘Then more’s the pity he didn’t. You wouldn’t believe that Nathan and Elliot are brothers, they’re so unalike.’
‘I know, miss. But Tom –’ Alice wanted the business of Tom’s hasty fist settled. ‘I’m worried, see, that he’ll be in trouble. Hit Elliot Sutton deliberate, he did. Said he hoped he’d broken his nose. And he might have, for all I know. Tom’s a big fellow. He could have hurt him.’
‘Hurt him! Wasn’t a lot of use hitting him if he didn’t, now was it? Anyway, there’ll be hell to pay this morning. Mama is going to Pendenys – unannounced – and if I know Mama, Elliot is going to be on the receiving end of her displeasure. She looked furious at breakfast.’
‘Oh, I wish she wouldn’t,’ Alice wailed. ‘I don’t want there to be any bother. I just want to get on with my work and forget all about it.’
‘But it can’t be forgotten. Elliot is evil. He always was, and he’s got to be stopped. It isn’t your fault, Hawthorn. Just be grateful that Morgan flew at him.’
‘Yes, miss, and don’t let’s talk about it any more. I’m that ashamed with all the bother it’s causing her ladyship.’
‘Then don’t be. But I must go now. Mama wants the carriage later, and I’m off to meet Andrew. And he shall come up and look at you – I insist – though what he’ll do about that bruise, I don’t know. Oh, Hawthorn dear – first me, now you. Whatever next?’
‘Whatever next?’ Alice whispered when the door had banged behind Julia and her footsteps could no longer be heard. Trouble, was there to be? Trouble for Tom, for herself? Because Mrs Clementina wasn’t going to let Elliot be taken to task, nothing was more certain. And under-keepers didn’t go punching their betters, neither.
Best for all concerned if her ladyship let it be; forgot about it. Better for her and Tom, that was, though Elliot Sutton would go on doing exactly what he wanted and no lass would be safe from him.
And how safe would it be now in Brattocks? And if she could no longer walk Morgan there, when was she ever to see Tom, except on her half-day off?
Alice blinked back a tear. She would not cry; not any more. They would find a way of meeting. And hadn’t everybody been so kind and good it had made her feel warm all over? Miss Clitherow had been like an angel of mercy last night, and Cook had sent Tilda up with an eggcupful of brandy, for the shock, and not one question had Tilda asked; not one lurid detail did she demand to know – offering a humbug and the loan of her love book instead.
But, best of all, Bess had peeped around the door to tell her that Tom had left Morgan’s lead at the kitchen door, asking anxiously how she was.
‘And he said to give you this,’ Bess whispered, handing her the flower. ‘Said you’d understand …’
The flower was there now, in a glass on the window-sill, and she had cried over the buttercup and loved Tom even more; glad she lived at Rowangarth, glad Miss Julia was her friend, yet sad that this morning there would be trouble at Pendenys and hoping with all her heart that Tom never came upon Elliot Sutton in the woods. Lordy, but it was a real worry, and heaven only knew where it would end.
‘Tom,’ she whispered to the buttercup. ‘Take care, lad; don’t do anything you’ll be sorry for.’
Clementina Sutton stood in the morning-room window, following the progress of the Rowangarth carriage with narrowed eyes. Helen was a punctilious caller, and calling time, it was accepted hereabouts, began at ten o’clock; indeed, not for another quarter of an hour, she calculated, checking the jewelled watch on her lapel with the clock on the overmantel. But she would soon know the cause of the breach in protocol, for her sister-in-law was making all haste to alight.
‘My dear.’ She smiled with genuine pleasure as the door opened, for in spite of the feeling of inferiority Helen’s presence always gave her, Clementina grudgingly admired her, though never, she sighed – not even if she tried until the crack of doom – would she acquire the ease of manner that placed Helen Sutton’s pedigree beyond question. Helen could dress in rags and mix with the motley and still be indisputably what she was. A lady.
