The Summer Maiden

Caroline shook her head. ‘No, sir. I don’t know how to thank you …’

‘No need for that. Just keep away from here. This isn’t a playground.’

His patronising tone annoyed Caroline, despite her intense feeling of relief. Even in the fading light it was obvious that their rescuer was a gentleman. His frock coat was well cut and his checked trousers gave him a slightly dandified appearance. He was clean-shaven, but the brim of his silky top hat cast a shadow on his upper face and she could not see his eyes.

‘My brothers are new to this area of London, sir,’ Caroline said with as much dignity as she could muster, considering the fact that her slippers were sinking into the cold mud and her silk skirts were wet and probably ruined.

‘Then I suggest you take them home and don’t venture out after sunset. This is a rough area.’ He tipped his hat and marched off in the direction of the stone steps.

‘Are you going to let him talk to you like that?’ Max demanded crossly. ‘That fellow treated you like an idiot, Carrie.’

‘Maybe I was a fool for bringing you boys here,’ Caroline said ruefully. ‘I’ve no idea who that person is, but he did us a favour, and we should follow him as quickly as possible. Those louts might return if they think he’s gone.’

James dashed his hand across his eyes. ‘I was scared, Carrie. I don’t think I like it here.’

She tightened her grasp on his hand and started walking towards the stone steps. ‘We’ll get used to it, Jimmy. We just need to learn how to cope with living in such a different place. After all, our parents once lived here and they survived.’ She held her free hand out to Max. ‘We’re in this together, and we just have to make the best of it.’

‘I could have thrashed the one called Crusher.’ Despite his brave words, Max held her hand as they crossed the mud, making their way to the steps.

Later, when her brothers were in bed, Caroline sat on the window seat in her bedchamber, sipping a mug of cocoa as she gazed out into the moonlit night. Lights from passing river traffic bobbed and danced above the water like tiny fireflies, and the streetlamps cast golden pools on the cobblestones, but the deep shadows held menace and fights broke out as drunks spilled out of the pubs. Blood mingled with the detritus in the gutters and the sound of police whistles and the thunder of booted feet added to the cacophony of hooters from steamships. Caroline finished her cocoa and drew the curtains before climbing into bed. She might never know the identity of the gentleman who had come to their aid, but one thing was certain – tomorrow she would start looking for paid employment. Her life of luxury and leisure had ended and it was time she started earning her living.

Next morning, at breakfast, Laurence was allowing his tea to get cold while he studied a copy of The Times. With his steel-rimmed reading spectacles perched on the end of his nose he looked every inch a scholar, but his brow was wrinkled in a frown and he did not seem too happy. Caroline had finished her slice of toast, thinly spread with butter, and was sipping her tea in an attempt to make it last until she could have a proper look at the newspaper. She had been attempting to read the ‘Positions Vacant’ column over Laurence’s shoulder, but it was almost impossible as he kept moving his head and obscuring her view.

‘Where are those boys?’ Sadie demanded as she filled the sink with water from the kettle. ‘Max should be helping with the washing up. It’s his turn today.’

‘They’re not used to rising early when they’re on holiday,’ Caroline said hastily. She had not mentioned the scuffle on the foreshore the previous evening, and she did not intend to tell Laurence or Sadie. The boys, she hoped, had learned their lesson.

‘But they’re not on holiday,’ Sadie said firmly. ‘They’ll be starting their lessons again as soon as Laurence has unpacked his books.’

Laurence looked up at the mention of his name, peering at Sadie over the rim of his spectacles. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.’

‘I was speaking about the boys beginning their studies with you,’ Sadie said patiently. ‘The sooner the better, in my opinion.’ She refilled the kettle from the pump at the sink and replaced it on the hob. ‘Is there anything of interest in the paper?’

Laurence shook his head. ‘No, not today, but there’s always tomorrow.’

‘Might I borrow the newspaper?’ Caroline asked, holding out her hand. ‘I like to keep abreast with what’s going on in the world.’

Laurence handed it to her with a gentle smile, but Sadie chortled with laughter.

‘That’s the first I’ve heard of it, Carrie. Don’t take too long because I want you to go to market and buy some vegetables and a beef bone. I’m afraid it will be soup again for supper.’

‘Yes, of course. I’ll go as soon as I’ve got the boys out of bed.’ Caroline left the kitchen without giving Sadie a chance to think of anything else that she might want, and hurried upstairs to wake her brothers. When she was satisfied that they intended to get up and dress themselves, she took the newspaper to her room and sat down to study the ‘Positions Vacant’ column. Her attention was caught by the name ‘Colville’, which she had often heard spoken when her parents were discussing business matters over breakfast or dinner – Colville Shipping Company, her father’s bitter rival, was part of the reason for Manning and Chapman’s dire financial straits. She memorised the advertisement and the address, selected a straw bonnet adorned with scarlet rosebuds and ribbons, slipped on her lace shawl and prepared for battle.

Chapter Five

The Colville residence was situated in a beautiful Georgian terrace at the pier head. After a long hot walk along Wapping High Street, past wharfs, warehouses, numerous pubs and cheap lodging houses, Caroline could not help but be impressed by the comparatively tranquil setting. But she quickly realised that it was an illusion, cleverly created by green lawns and the grouping of tall trees. The houses themselves overlooked the busy entrance to Wapping Basin and the river was crowded with vessels of all shapes and kinds. The peace was shattered by the noise from the docks: the sound of flapping sails, the drumming of great paddle wheels as the steamers ploughed through the water, and the shouts of seamen, stevedores and dock workers. But dirt, noise and bustle meant money. Caroline had imagined that the Colville family would be very well situated, and now she was certain. Some of their profits had been gained at the expense of her father’s company and had probably contributed to its downfall. Leaving her wicker shopping basket beneath the splendid portico, she knocked on the door and after a short wait it was opened by a trim parlour maid.

‘I’ve come about the advertisement in The Times,’ Caroline said with as much confidence as she could muster.

‘You should put your application in writing, miss. I doubt if the mistress will see you otherwise.’

Caroline was not going to be put off so easily. ‘I’ve been offered a position with a titled family,’ she said, lying valiantly. ‘But this situation interests me. I would like to speak to your mistress before I accept the other one.’

The maid cocked her head on one side, eyeing Caroline suspiciously, but she was obviously impressed. ‘Wait there and I’ll see if Mrs Colville is at home.’

‘It’s very hot out here. Might I wait inside?’ Caroline stepped over the threshold before the maid had a chance to close the door.

‘Very well, but stay there. Don’t move.’ The maid hurried off with the white ribbons on her frilled mobcap flying out behind her like pennants.

Catching sight of her flushed cheeks and slightly dishevelled appeared in one of the large wall mirrors, Caroline tucked stray strands of dark hair behind her ears. People were always telling her that she resembled her mother, and it was true that she had inherited her mother’s large hazel eyes, luxuriant dark hair and clear skin, but Caroline could never see the likeness herself. She straightened her bonnet and wiped a smut from the tip of her nose, hoping that Mrs Colville would not notice the smear on her white lace gloves. The jaunty headwear gave her a pert appearance, and she was wondering whether it had been a wise choice when the maid reappeared.

‘The mistress will spare you five minutes. Come this way.’ She marched off, leaving Caroline to follow her.

She had a vague impression of glacial elegance as she hurried after the maidservant. The walls and the paintwork were stark white, unrelieved by touches of colour, and gilt-framed mirrors reflected the sunlight that flooded through the tall windows, creating square patterns on the highly polished floorboards. Caroline had worked out her speech but when she was ushered into a large, airy parlour overlooking the river, she was momentarily lost for words. If the entrance hall was ice-white, the parlour was the cool blue of a winter sky. The chairs and sofa were upholstered in pale grey velvet, and a similar material had been used for the curtains. After the dust and heat outside, the coolness of the room was matched by the frigid reception of the elderly woman, who was seated on a throne-like chair with an embroidery hoop on her lap.

‘You may go, Gilroy,’ she said in clipped tones.

The maid bobbed a curtsey and backed out of the room as if in the presence of royalty. Caroline eyed Mrs Colville warily. The advertisement had been brief to the point of terseness and had merely required an educated woman to act as companion to a young lady: no more, no less. It had intrigued Caroline almost as much as the name Colville. She had a score to settle with that family. Had it not been for their cut-throat business tactics her dear papa might still be alive.

‘Well, what have you to say for yourself? Your five minutes is ticking away.’ Mrs Colville fixed Caroline with a steely gaze, her hooded eyelids barely concealing her disapproval.

‘I came in answer to your advertisement,’ Caroline said firmly. ‘I think I would be ideally suited to the position.’

‘You do, do you? And what gives you that idea?’

‘I’m well educated, and I know how to conduct myself, Mrs Colville.’

‘What is your name?’

Caroline hesitated. The name Manning was well known in Wapping, especially by those connected with shipping. ‘Caroline Manley.’

‘You look very young. I was hoping for an older woman.’

‘I’m seventeen, ma’am. But I’m mature for my age.’

‘Hmm.’ Mrs Colville raised a lorgnette to her eyes. ‘My granddaughter is of a similar age, but I would not consider you to be a suitable chaperone. You may leave now.’

Caroline stared at her, shocked and surprised by this cavalier treatment. ‘That’s not fair, Mrs Colville. You haven’t given me a chance to prove my worth. Might I not meet your granddaughter? Surely it’s important that she has a companion she likes.’

‘You have a lot to say for yourself for someone so young.’ The lorgnette was raised again and Mrs Colville was silent for a few seconds. ‘Very well. I’m a fair woman. Ring the bell and I’ll send for Maria. But don’t think this means that you have the position.’

Caroline tugged at the bell pull. ‘I understand perfectly.’

‘You’re well spoken, I’ll give you that, and you have the air of a lady, even if you are wearing that ridiculous bonnet. I cannot abide bright colours and in particular I hate scarlet.’

‘I have more bonnets.’

‘Then why do you want to work? Why are you not at home with your family, where any well-brought-up young girl should be until she is married?’

‘My father is dead.’ Caroline did not need to put on the tremor in her voice. She dashed tears away with her gloved hand. ‘My mother is unwell, and my family have fallen on hard times. But I don’t want pity. I need to pay my way and that is why this job is important to me.’

‘You speak eloquently. Why didn’t you accept the position with the titled lady, or is she a figment of your imagination?’

‘The person in question is Lady Bearwood, who is a friend of Mama’s.’ Caroline had not intended to flaunt her connection with the late Earl of Dawlish’s daughter, but she was desperate. ‘I am prepared to work hard and do my best.’

Mrs Colville’s eyes narrowed. ‘I would expect at least one reference.’

‘Of course.’ Caroline hoped she sounded confident, but it might be difficult with Lady Alice away in Devonshire, and with Cordelia staying with friends somewhere in the country.

An awkward silence filled the room, broken only by the steady ticking of the marble clock on the mantelshelf. Caroline did not like to sit down without being invited to do so, and Mrs Colville seemed to have forgotten her presence, as she picked up her embroidery hoop and concentrated on the intricate design, her needle stabbing the cloth as if it were her worst enemy. Caroline stood by the fireplace, wishing that Mrs Colville’s granddaughter would hurry up and make an appearance.

Minutes later the door opened and a tall, dark-haired young woman entered the room. ‘You wanted to see me, Grandmama?’ Her voice was little more than a whisper.

‘What kept you, Maria? We’ve been waiting for a good five minutes.’

‘I’m sorry, Grandmama.’

‘Don’t hover, girl. You know how it annoys me.’

‘I’m sorry, Grandmama.’ Maria Colville slumped down on the nearest chair, head bent, staring down at her tightly folded hands.

‘Stop apologising, you know it irritates me.’ Mrs Colville threw her embroidery hoop at her granddaughter, narrowly missing her head as it floated harmlessly to the floor. ‘For goodness’ sake sit up straight, Maria. Don’t slouch.’

By this time Caroline was heartily sorry for Maria, and would have protested at the unfairness of this treatment, but she realised that anything she said might make matters worse, and she held her tongue.

‘Miss Manley has applied for the position I advertised in The Times, Maria. If I were to employ her she would be your constant companion, and chaperone. I would expect her to teach you a few social graces, of which you, alas, have none. You are twenty, and it’s high time you were married and off my hands.’ Mrs Colville turned her fierce gaze on Caroline. ‘As she is at present I can’t imagine any man taking her on, even with a sizeable dowry. Can you dance, Miss Manley?’

Caroline recoiled, the question taking her by surprise. ‘Yes, of course I can.’

‘Don’t take that attitude with me, miss. I asked a civil question and I only expect a yes or a no. Maria does not know her left foot from her right. She has no sense of rhythm and no idea of style. She has as much charm and elegance as that poker in the fireplace, and if I take you into my household I expect you to turn her in a beautiful swan. Are you familiar with the Danish fellow’s story about the ugly duckling?’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

‘Then that is what you must do. Maria is the ugly duckling and you are Mr Andersen, the storyteller. That is, if I decide to employ you.’

Caroline stifled the urge to tell Mrs Colville exactly what she thought of her, and she wished with all her heart that she could give the poor downtrodden granddaughter a comforting hug. Even though Maria’s dark head was bent and her thin shoulders hunched, Caroline could see tears glistening on her eyelashes. The thought of working for such a termagant as Mrs Colville, one of the architects of Jack Manning’s financial disaster, was against everything that Caroline stood for – but Maria was another matter. If ever anyone needed a champion it was the ungainly girl, who was sobbing quietly.

Later, walking homeward with her basket clutched in her hand, Caroline went over the interview in her mind. In the end, when Mrs Colville had seemed to tire of humiliating her own flesh and blood, she had mentioned an allowance, which was adequate, although not overgenerous. However, Caroline would be required to live in and everything, including her clothes, would be provided by her employer. These, Caroline assumed, would be plain and dowdy, causing her to merge with her background. Mrs Colville’s strategy to marry off an unwanted relative was blindingly obvious. She needed someone to bring the best out of her granddaughter, but that person must not take the attention away from Maria. Caroline was so deep in thought that she almost forgot why she had been sent out in the first place, but luckily she remembered in time and she explored the back streets until she came upon a butcher’s shop and a costermonger selling fruit and vegetables.

When she reached home she found Sadie in the kitchen.

‘You took your time,’ Sadie said, examining the contents of the wicker basket. ‘Not bad, but I hope you weren’t cheated. Street vendors are up to all sorts of tricks, like putting foreign coins in with the change and adding a farthing or two if they think they can get away with it.’

Caroline handed over what was left of the money that Sadie had given her. ‘I had to walk miles before I found a butcher’s shop, and then another where I might buy the rest of the things on your list.’

‘Well, you’re home now. The boys are having their first lesson with Laurence, so let’s hope he gets some replies to his advertisement soon. I’d go out to work myself, but there’s nothing much I can do. It might end up that I have to take in washing. At least there’s a decent copper in the outhouse.’

‘It won’t come to that. I think I have found myself a suitable position.’

‘What?’ Sadie dropped the basket on the table and sat down, staring at Caroline open-mouthed. ‘But what can you do? You’ve been brought up to be a young lady. What will Essie say?’

‘Mama won’t know, and anyway, it’s a perfectly respectable job with a wealthy family. I just need a character reference, and it’s mine.’

‘Where is this job and what is it? Why didn’t you tell me you were going to do this?’

‘I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d try to stop me.’

‘I need to know exactly where you’re going and I want to know more about this family.’

‘You won’t like it, but it’s the Colvilles.’

‘What?’ Sadie’s voice rose to a screech and she clutched her hand to her bosom, breathing heavily. ‘You know they were partly responsible for the collapse of your father’s business. How could you be so insensitive? You’ll break your mother’s heart.’

‘I’ll be paid fifteen pounds a year.’

‘That seems a bit mean.’

‘I’ll get a uniform of sorts and all my meals. I’ll be off your hands, Sadie. It will give you and Laurence a chance to build up the school, and maybe then I can return.’

‘But the boys will miss you.’

‘And I’ll miss them, but I won’t be far away and I’ll get time off. We’re struggling, Sadie. Admit it.’

Sadie bowed her head. ‘We are, it’s true, but I keep hoping that George will bring his ship home safely with a profitable cargo. We don’t know anything to the contrary.’

‘When he returns I’ll be happy to quit. Anyway, I haven’t got the job yet. I need a reference so I’m going to visit Bearwood House.’

‘I thought they were all away.’

‘Yes, but they have headed writing paper. I know Aunt Alice would give me a glowing reference if I asked for one, so I’ll have no qualms about writing one for myself.’

‘That’s forgery, Carrie.’

‘Have you got any better ideas?’

Taking a cab to Piccadilly was sheer extravagance, but Caroline knew that Mrs Colville was not a patient woman, and any delay in obtaining a reference might jeopardise her chances of securing the position as Maria’s companion. There had been nothing more suitable in the advertisement column of The Times, and without qualifications of any kind it was always going to be difficult to find work.

Caroline alighted outside Bearwood House, paid the cabby, marched up to the front entrance with an outward show of confidence and rapped on the door. Of course the family were away from home, but when John, the head footman, reminded her of the fact she pretended that it had slipped her mind. She convinced him it was necessary for her to leave a note for Miss Cordelia. Perhaps it was her winning smile that won him over, but he accepted her explanation and showed her into the morning parlour.

Caroline glanced at the rosewood escritoire situated beneath the window.

‘I’ll need pen and paper, please, John. And would you ask the housekeeper to unlock the desk?’

He bowed and left the room, leaving Caroline to pace the floor. Her aunt’s formidable housekeeper had been with the family for as long as she could remember, and both she and Cordelia were slightly scared of the woman with her birdlike eyes and straight black eyebrows that gave her a permanent frown.

John returned minutes later carrying a bunch of keys. ‘Mrs Crowe begs your pardon, Miss Manning, but, at present, she is occupied elsewhere.’ He handed the keys to Caroline and she tried not to look too pleased.

‘Thank you, John. I’ll ring for you when I’m done.’

After trying several of the smaller keys she eventually found the right one and sat down at the desk to dash off a quick note to Cordelia, explaining the situation as briefly as possible. Then, taking a sheet of headed paper and writing in her best copperplate, she gave herself a glowing reference. When it came to signing the document she hesitated, pen poised. Forgery was a serious crime, but she managed to convince herself that Aunt Alice would understand why she had to resort to such desperate measures, and she signed the reference with a flourish. She folded the two letters, placing them in envelope blanks, and used her aunt’s personal seal to make an imprint on the melted sealing wax. It was done: for good or ill, she now had a reference that would almost certainly convince Mrs Colville that she was the right person for the position. She stood up and reached for the bell pull.

With her reference clasped in her hand, Caroline waited in the entrance hall of Pier House while Gilroy scurried off to announce her arrival. It was cool indoors, especially when compared with the blistering heat of midday, which turned milk sour and made tempers flare. Caroline was hot and slightly dishevelled, and she wished that she had not hurried quite so much in her efforts to return to the house before the position was granted to someone else. Her fingers twitched nervously and she longed to undo the top buttons of her bodice to allow herself to breathe more freely, but she had a feeling that Mrs Colville’s eagle eyes would notice a stray hair, let alone a button undone for the sake of comfort. She looked up with a start at the sound of footsteps on the stairs.

Maria Colville came to a sudden halt. ‘Oh, you came back, Miss Manley. I didn’t think you would.’

‘Why was that, Miss Colville?’

Colour flooded Maria’s pale cheeks. ‘My grandmother can be intimidating.’

‘I’m made of sterner stuff than to be scared of an old lady,’ Caroline said firmly. ‘You should stand up to her.’

Maria’s blue eyes widened in horror. ‘I couldn’t do that. You don’t understand.’

‘Possibly not, but I’m willing to listen.’

Gilroy reappeared before Maria had a chance to respond. ‘Mrs Colville will see you now.’ She bobbed a curtsey and scuttled off in the direction of the drawing room.

‘Good luck,’ Maria whispered. ‘I hope you get the job, Miss Manley.’

Caroline answered her with a smile and hurried off after Gilroy, who seemed to do everything at a run.

As she entered the drawing room her eyes had to adjust to the dim light as the curtains had been partially closed, adding to the general greyness. Sunlight fought its way through the gaps, collapsing in narrow stripes on the floor as if giving up the struggle to survive. Caroline had much the same feeling as she stood in front of Mrs Colville while she scanned the reference. After what seemed like an interminable wait, Mrs Colville looked up and nodded.

‘Satisfactory.’

‘Does that mean I have the job?’

‘I’m considering you seriously, but there will be other applicants. You may go. Leave your address with Gilroy and I’ll let you know within the next few days.’