The Orphans of Ardwick Read online

  ‘Stop. I cannot listen to any more.’

  ‘We’d exhausted all else. It was the only option left open. Of course, the last resort would be to send her to an asylum. After all, it may be the workings of demonic possession …’

  ‘Surely not?’ He sounded horrified. ‘Some women are prone to nervous maladies. It’s simply the vapours affecting the mind. That man doesn’t know what he’s talking about, I’m sure. When you informed me of this course of action he’d suggested weeks ago, I specifically ordered you not to give consent, did I not?’

  ‘Well yes, but—’

  ‘Then why give him leave to do just that?’ he cut in over Caroline, followed by what sounded like him thumping the desk in anger. ‘What were you thinking?’

  ‘What I was thinking was to make that pathetic wretch upstairs well enough not to scare Alexander away altogether,’ Caroline burst out. ‘Despite your misgivings, it seems Lawley’s method – unconventional, I grant you – has worked. Did you see her this evening? She was like a new woman.’ Again, she released a knowing laugh. ‘Who knew, hm? Pent-up frustration caused her ill health. A man’s touch in the right place was all she’d been short of—’

  ‘Don’t talk that way. It’s immoral, Caroline, however you try to dress it up. Thoughts of that old rogue violating her like that … It turns my stomach.’

  ‘You speak as though you actually care. This, her and Alexander’s union … It was your idea, if you recall?’

  There followed a charged silence – Pip, her hand pressed tightly to her mouth, could do nothing even had she wanted to. What on earth was going on here? Mr Philip had had some knowledge of what the doctor was about …? A new treatment? The depraved act she’d witnessed was intended as a cure for Josephine’s illness? She shook her head in confusion. The planned wedding – it was a ruse set up by the man beyond this door? But how? Just what was his game? Why did he want his sister married off? More to the point, was Alexander aware or was he just as much a pawn as his intended in this twisted plot?

  ‘Don’t let’s dwell on what has brought Josephine to her senses at last but that it has happened.’ Caroline’s words now carried a wheedling note. ‘What is done is done—’

  ‘No more, do you hear me? Doctor Lawley has paid his last visit to this house.’

  ‘Of course. Unless, that is, your sister should require his … services again—’

  ‘I said no more, damn it!’

  Again, there came a silence, then: ‘Whatever it takes to see them married, Philip; we agreed, remember? After all, who in their right mind would intentionally shackle themselves to a lunatic? He could change his mind. Alexander had to see that Josephine was getting well – after tonight, it appears he’s in no doubt. The idea worked. They’re to be married, and bless your lucky stars for it. If anything, you should be thanking the doctor and me.’

  ‘My sister insists it’s the intervention of the child – Pip, I believe her name is – that aids her recovery.’

  ‘Utter poppycock!’ The fury dripping from the furious words brought ice to Pip’s veins; she shivered uncontrollably. ‘That meddling vagabond has turned her weak head.’

  ‘Be that as it may … Doctor Lawley and his depraved treatment are banished from this house.’

  Caroline released a long breath. When she spoke again, her voice was heavy with scorn.

  ‘You’re well aware that Josephine’s condition worsening and the subsequent possibility of Alexander calling the whole thing off would be the ruin of us. The risk is one we can ill afford to take, and yet … Fine. On your head be it. But I warn you of this: I shan’t hang around to witness your downfall. I’ll be gone from Bracken House before I know the shame of that, and I’ll take Lucy with me.’ Philip’s gasp at this brought a smug edge to her tone. ‘That’s right, you hear me correctly. My parents would be only too willing to take their daughter and granddaughter in.’

  ‘But—!’

  ‘All of this, the position we are in—’

  ‘Don’t say it. My father is to blame, remember, not I.’

  ‘How could I forget? I despise him for what he’s reduced us to.’ Caroline’s hiss sliced through his interjection. ‘Alexander and Josephine must marry. That is all there is to it.’

  Footsteps from inside suddenly approached the door – snapping out of her dazed state, Pip bolted for cover behind a huge potted plant nearby. She thought her heart would smash through her chest, so fiercely was it beating. Holding her breath, she peeped through the glossy green leaves to see Caroline emerge from the study.

  The woman seemed to be struggling to regain her composure. Slowly, her eyes swivelled up the stairs and a look of pure loathing gripped her features. ‘Orphan wretch. Damn you to hell.’ The next moment, she had marched away.

  Emerging from her hiding place, Pip willed her shock-weakened legs to work. What she’d just heard … What devilment were those two about and why? Just what did Philip and his wife hope to get out of the marriage? The oddness of it made her head sore.

  Furthermore, yet again, she’d managed to strengthen Caroline’s animosity towards her without meaning to. That the lady resented her for letting slip her knowledge of the doctor’s activities was clear. Last time she’d got on the wrong side of her, when mentioning that perhaps they could be friends, Caroline had concocted the terrible tale about her abusing little Lucy and almost ruined her. What revenge would the woman take this time? Pip didn’t dare imagine.

  As if in a trance, sick with worry, she headed for the kitchen. Then, reaching the baize door, she turned and retraced her steps upstairs to Josephine’s room. She was in no fit mood now to announce to the lads the news she’d been so excited about shortly before. Nor could she bear to face those she loved, for surely they would notice her distress and want to know the reason. Then she’d have to come clean about the happenings in this house – some of which she herself wasn’t sure of. Cook and Simon would be furious to learn about Caroline’s treatment of her and she knew once the words were given life, she’d be unable to contain them and the whole sorry truth would pour out. And she couldn’t risk that, could she? It would cause ructions beyond her control.

  They held her in high regard, she knew, loved her even, and would be furious that she’d been suffering so, alone, at Caroline’s hand. And the master would hear what had gone on, and what would the outcome be then? As she’d warned Hardman earlier, Caroline was a Goldthorpe; whatever the accusation, her word would be taken as truth by those who wielded authority here. As proven once already, her word mattered not when it came down to it, did it? No. She couldn’t risk folk knowing, Pip told herself once again. Not yet, in any case.

  ‘Lads are away on an errand for Cook,’ she lied as explanation to her mistress, who had greeted her speedy return with raised eyebrows. She busied herself with resuming her duties from earlier, tidying the rest of the jewellery away and replacing lids on face creams and straightening bottles of toilet water.

  ‘Come, Pip.’ Josephine inclined her head to the chair opposite her own, a short while later. The winter sun had long dipped behind the clouds and the soft lamplight cast the opulent room in a rose-gold glow. ‘Buttered toast and hot chocolate time, I think; what do you say?’ she asked with a smile.

  Pip’s buttocks had barely touched the seat when she was back on her feet. ‘Aye, Miss Josephine. I’ll fetch them right away.’

  ‘No, no, child. I meant the refreshments for both of us. You stay where you are.’

  Recalling Hardman’s resentment at having to fetch and carry for her with the tea, she hesitated. ‘It’s no bother, honest—’

  ‘Give the bell pull a tug, would you?’

  With some reluctance, Pip closed her hand around the thick tassel hanging by the fireside to summon the maid downstairs. Within moments, Hardman’s soft tapping came at the door and at Josephine’s command, she entered the room – retreating seconds later with a face like thunder. Pip’s heart dipped. There was another who hated the sight of
her as it was, angered further still without her intention. She felt close to tears. Just how much more of this bad feeling could she bear? She was heartily fed up with it.

  ‘Are you all right, Pip? You seem a little subdued.’

  Sorry tears immediately clogged her throat. She nodded. ‘Aye, Miss Josephine. You?’

  ‘Oh, I feel wonderful, just wonderful.’ The lady breathed a contented sigh. ‘Do you know, this evening has proved a turning point, I believe. That I managed successfully to alleviate my symptoms before they had a chance to manifest … I’m proud of myself. I haven’t felt as easy of mind in such a very long time. I just cannot believe I’m cured, dear girl.’

  Again, Pip wasn’t entirely convinced and responded carefully. ‘Aye, tha should be proud, an’ all. Reet well, you’re doing, Miss Josephine.’

  ‘It’s down to Alexander, you know,’ the woman murmured, staring off into the distance with soft eyes. ‘His love feeds my veins with strength.’

  Oh, Miss, Miss … All was not well with all this, she felt it in her guts. Mrs Goldthorpe – and Mr Philip, also, it seemed – were up to something where this young couple’s union was concerned, but what? Please, Lord. Don’t have them ruin it for this kind lady, here, and her intended, she prayed silently. Was there anything she could do? she wondered suddenly. True, she couldn’t very well reveal what she’d overheard earlier to Miss Josephine, but maybe … Maybe if she knew what they were about and why, she just might be able to help make sure in some way that the couple caught up in this plot didn’t get hurt?

  ‘Miss Josephine?’ she forced herself to ask. ‘Have you known Mr Sutton-Shaw long? How did you meet, if you don’t mind me asking, like?’

  ‘We made each other’s acquaintance during the spring, shortly after my brother and his family began residing at Bracken House. Philip introduced us. They were away at school together as boys. To be honest, I was struck by him on our very first meeting.’

  ‘Him and Mr Philip are good friends, then, aye?’

  ‘Oh, quite. Alexander moved into the vicinity last year; Philip was most pleased to have his old friend back in his life. They were rather close at school, I believe.’ She laughed. ‘They’ve been thick as thieves again since.’

  If Mr Philip held his friend in such high regard, why was he conspiring behind his back to do him wrong? And considering the men were so close, how hadn’t Alexander picked up an inkling of suspicion? Unless …?

  A deep frown creased her brow. Was Alexander in on this, whatever it was? No, surely not – from what she’d heard of him, he was a sound and decent gentleman. Besides, what would be his motive for marrying her if not for love? And yet … for reasons unknown to her, she couldn’t shake the worm of mistrust. There was much more to all this than met the eye, she just knew it.

  Pip barely noticed the housemaid’s return with the tray, so lost was she in her puzzling thoughts. After nibbling at a slice of toast and forcing down a half-cup of chocolate, she asked permission to retire to her bed. She must be by herself with her musings, to try to make sense of what she’d learned and was yet to find out, and how. Not only didn’t she want to see Miss Josephine get hurt but, having been asked to join the new couple’s future staff, her and the lads’ futures were at stake, now, too. She must discover what was afoot.

  Curling up in her makeshift bed on the dressing-room floor, she pulled the blankets to her chin. Despite the need to be alone, she ached for the comforting feel of Simon and Mack’s bodies against her own. She’d do anything for a hug right now, to pour out her worries. Thoughts of the upcoming marriage and the scheming by some to see it gone through with swirled around her tired brain for an age. Yet the twilight hours’ deathly silence, broken now and again by owls’ hoots beyond the Green outside, brought no answers and fear of the unknown intensified her need for the lads’ company. What the time was, she didn’t know, when she finally pushed aside the covers and padded out.

  Sounds of Josephine retiring for the night had long since filtered through to her. Now, the lady’s gentle snores eased Pip’s guilt somewhat as she continued to the door. She sounded at ease; surely she wouldn’t be missed for a few minutes?

  ‘I’ll be gone but a short while, Miss Josephine. I just need to see the lads, be with them a while, that’s all,’ she whispered through the gloom in the direction of the four-poster bed.

  Collecting a spill from a vase on the mantel, she made for the far wall and the single lamp still burning dully – Miss Josephine insisted she couldn’t sleep in full darkness – and after lifting the glass dome, touched the spill to the violet flame. From this, she lit a candle and, shielding the guttering light with her hand so as not to disturb the woman’s sleep, slipped from the room.

  She encountered not a soul nor sound on her journey; slowly, slowly, so as not to aggravate the old knob, she opened the door to Cook’s room. Her eyes went immediately to the chair by the window – to her surprise, it was empty. Then her gaze settled on the bed and her heart skipped a beat before starting up a series of gallops that pained her chest. Cook wasn’t in the chair because she was in the bed instead. Her ample bulk beneath the coverings was unmistakable. Pip’s head flicked around wildly. The lads were nowhere to be seen.

  ‘What in the name of all that’s holy …?’ Cook jolted awake with a gasp when, in her mindless panic, Pip rushed across and shook her shoulder frantically. ‘Lass? Saints preserve us, what—?’

  ‘Simon, Mack – why ain’t they here? Where are they, where are they!’

  ‘’Ere, now, calm yourself. Lord, child, they’re but across the way. Master gave his permission earlier for me to assign them the spare room – they couldn’t very well share this ’un with me for ever more. Besides, it made sense, that there one doing nowt but standing empty, like.’

  ‘I thought summat had happened, that they’d left me.’ Pip sagged, relief washing over her.

  ‘Now don’t talk daft. Them lads wouldn’t leave you, not for a gold watch. ’Ere, hang about, missy,’ she added, squinting at the pitch sky through the gap in the curtains, ‘what the divil you doing wandering about this part of the house and at this hour, anyroad?’

  ‘I missed them, Cook, is all,’ she murmured, feeling a little silly admitting it. ‘Eeh, but I’m that sorry for disturbing thee, I am. I’ll go, now, let you catch your sleep.’

  Sighing, the woman patted Pip’s head and her tone was soft with understanding as she said, ‘Aye, it’s time you need to adjust, youse being in one another’s pockets, so to speak, as you allus were. Go on, now, lovey. Away to your bed afore you catch your death of cold. You mind how you go, go on.’

  Pip rose, nodding, and after a last apology to this work-worn woman who barely got half the sleep she needed each night at the best of times, left the room. She cast her eyes along the landing to the boys’ door and her mouth lifted at the corners. Their own room! By, they must be beyond pleased, the pair. More importantly, they were together. Oh, if only she was sharing with them, too … Pushing the thought away, she mentally shook herself. She had a bed of her own and responsibilities along with it. She was working, now, wasn’t she, like an older girl, and it was about time she started acting like one instead of a clingy babby. Her position must come first. Miss Josephine needed her. As Cook said, she’d get used to the changes. She must. Nodding, she turned to leave.

  ‘Pip?’ Head thrust forward, Simon stood squinting in his doorway. ‘That you?’

  ‘Aye,’ she whispered. ‘Did I disturb thee?’

  ‘You did.’

  ‘Sorry, lad. I wanted to check you and the little ’un were sound, is all.’

  ‘Aye, well. You may as well come in a minute.’ Leaving the door ajar, he turned back into the room. By the time she entered, he’d returned to the bed he shared with Mack, who was slumbering peacefully nearest the wall, and jerked his head. She hurried across and slipped beneath the blanket beside him.

  Neither spoke for some time, then: ‘All right?’ he asked.

&nb
sp; She nodded against his shoulder.

  ‘Sure?’

  ‘Aye.’ She snuggled closer into his thin chest and in an uncharacteristic show of affection, he rested his chin on top of her head.

  ‘Your Miss Josephine’s well?’

  Again, she nodded. ‘She’s to be wed, you know.’

  ‘Aye. The servants were speaking on it earlier.’

  ‘She wants to take me with her after the event, to her and Mr Sutton-Shaw’s new dwelling, as her personal maid. You and Mack, an’ all.’ Simon was silent; she bit her lip. ‘Will tha come?’

  ‘Suppose so.’

  ‘Eeh, lad. Ta, thanks. I’d not of consented without.’

  Again, they lapsed into companionable silence. The urge to spill her concerns about all she’d discovered about this house struck Pip anew but once more, she told herself to hold her tongue, at least until she could be sure just what was going on, or tensions became too unbearable to keep them to herself. He’d only fret, and what was the use in both of them worrying?

  ‘Mr Philip, the dirty dog, makes late-night visits next door.’

  The warm bed and the boys’ comforting presence, enveloping her like a blanket of calm, had begun lulling Pip to sleep; now, she opened her eyes and raised herself on her elbow to look at him through the darkness.

  Simon nodded. ‘I heard Hardman sneaking him in her room earlier. Hushed voices and … sounds …’ He broke off before continuing with a definite note of embarrassment in his tone, ‘For at least an hour, they carried through yon wall. She’ll end up with a full belly if she ain’t careful.’

  ‘God help her, an’ all, for like Cook’s Lydia afore her, he’ll not see her right, you can bet,’ Pip murmured.

  ‘Oh aye. It’s slung out on to the cobbles to fare alone, she’ll be, and that’ll be that. ’Ere and it can’t come soon enough for me. She gets on my wick with the vicious looks and sly remarks she’s fond of throwing my way.’