Copyright

Published by HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd

1 London Bridge Street

London SE1 9GF

www.harpercollins.co.uk

First published in Great Britain by HarperCollinsPublishers 2018

Copyright © Dilly Court 2018

Cover photographs: Front © Gordon Crabb/Alison Eldred (Girl); Background © Shutterstock (ships/harbour)

Cover design by Claire Ward © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2017

Dilly Court asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

A catalogue copy of this book is available from the British Library.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins.

Source ISBN: 9780008199647

Ebook Edition © January 2017 ISBN: 9780008199654

Version: 2018-03-19

Dedication

For Lottie Atchison, my second great-niece, with love

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Read on for an exclusive extract of the final book in the series

Discover these other bestselling novels from Dilly Court all available to buy now

About the Author

Also by Dilly Court

About the Publisher

Chapter One

Wapping, London, Summer 1873

Caroline Manning stood a little apart from the rest of the mourners who were preparing to walk away from her father’s grave. The interment was over, the last words of farewell to a good man had been said, and his widow, Esther, had dropped a crimson rose onto the coffin. Her face was hidden behind the dark veil of widow’s weeds, but Caroline sensed that her mother was crying. Tears stung her own eyes, but she was determined to be brave. She had loved her father dearly, but she knew that Papa would have wanted her to support the rest of the family and help her mother through the trauma of such a great loss. Max and James, her younger brothers, had been away at boarding school when their father had fallen ill and died, and Esther had travelled to Rugby with Sadie, her friend and companion, to bring them home. The boys had been brave throughout the interment, but Jimmy had broken down and sobbed when the first handful of earth fell on the coffin, and he was clinging to their mother, who was now weeping openly. Caroline could see that fourteen-year-old Max was struggling and she placed her arm around his shoulders.

‘Papa didn’t suffer, Max. He just slipped away, so Mama told me.’

Max dashed his hand across his eyes. ‘Yes, that’s what she said, but I’m going to miss him.’

‘We all are.’ Caroline gave him a comforting hug. ‘We’d best follow the others, Max. We have to get the train back to London.’

‘We’re going now, Carrie, dear.’ Esther braced her slender shoulders and led Jimmy away from the yawning chasm of Jack Manning’s last resting place.

‘I won’t be long.’

‘The train will be here soon,’ Sadie said firmly. ‘Come on, Carrie, love. Best foot forward.’

‘I said I won’t be long.’ Caroline could not help a note of impatience creeping into her voice. She had so far kept herself composed, but she was in danger of losing the cast-iron self-control that had helped her to get through the carriage ride from their home in Finsbury Circus to Waterloo Bridge Station, and the journey on the Necropolis Railway to Brookwood Cemetery. Mama had her standards and would not travel any other way than first class, even though Aunt Sadie was quite happy to use the omnibus and had even braved the Metropolitan Railway, which ran underground.

‘Come with me, Max. We’ll let Carrie have a minute to herself.’ Sadie beckoned to Max and he allowed her to take him by the hand, something that he would never have done normally.

At any other time Caroline might have smiled to see her usually strong-willed brother acting so meekly, but this was not a normal day. Sadie was no relation, but she had been with the family ever since Caroline could remember, and had become a surrogate aunt with an enduring place in their affections.

The distant sound of a train’s whistle jolted Caroline back to the present and she raised the tea rose to her lips, inhaling the delicate perfume before allowing it to flutter through the air, landing on the coffin with a gentle thud. Papa had loved tea roses and she had picked several from the garden with the morning dew still upon them, choosing the biggest and the best to bring with her on Papa’s last, sad journey. She wiped her eyes and took a deep breath, raising her face to the cloudless azure sky. She wondered if Papa and her two baby brothers, who had been taken by whooping cough, were looking down on her, but that was childish and, at seventeen years old, she knew better.

She picked up her black silk skirts and trudged across the scorched grass as she followed her family to the station platform. It was a fiery June day and the ground beneath her feet was baked hard. The return train journey promised to be hot and sticky and less than cheerful, and she had a sudden urge to cry out that it was not fair. Papa had been in his mid-forties when he contracted pneumonia during a business trip to the Continent. Her last sight of him had been when she had waved him off, thinking that he would return soon with news of a profitable deal. Caroline bit the inside of her lip to prevent herself from bursting into tears as she caught up with her mother, Sadie and the boys.

‘Are you all right?’ Sadie whispered.

‘Yes, of course.’ It was a lie, but Caroline held her head high as she took her mother’s mittened hand in hers. ‘We’ll be home soon, Mama.’

‘Home.’ Esther’s voice was harsh and thick with tears. ‘There is no future for me without Jack. My heart is broken and buried with him in that cold grave.’

Sadie sighed and shook her head. ‘It’s a sad time, but you’ll feel better when you’ve had a cup of tea and something to eat.’

‘Stop being so cheerful,’ Esther said wearily. ‘Leave me alone.’ She broke away from Caroline’s restraining hand and marched towards the station platform.

‘When Mama cries it makes me sad, too,’ Jimmy said, sniffing.

‘It’s all right to cry, Jimmy.’ Max slapped his brother on the shoulder. ‘Just don’t let them see you’re sad when we go back to school.’

‘Come on, boys,’ Sadie said briskly. ‘We’d better get a move on, or we’ll be left behind.’ She quickened her pace, the others falling into step beside her.

The rest of the mourners, most of whom were employees of the Manning and Chapman Shipping Company, travelled second class, but Esther and the family had a first-class carriage to themselves.

‘If only your Uncle George were here.’ Esther leaned back in her seat. ‘I don’t know if he received the cable I sent to the agent in New York, as there was no reply.’

‘He’ll be as upset as you are, Essie.’ Sadie turned her head away to stare out of the window. ‘It seems your family are only happy when they are sailing the seven seas.’

‘Our family.’ Esther took off her gloves and laid them on the seat beside her. ‘How many times do I have to stress that you’re as important to me as if we were related by blood?’

‘I know you believe that, Essie, but that doesn’t make it true.’ Sadie shot her a sideways glance. ‘Jack wouldn’t want you to wear yourself out with grief. He was a good man, and you’re a strong woman. You’ve seen hard times and you’ll come through this, as always.’

‘Yes, but I’m allowed to mourn in my own way.’ Esther brushed a tear from her cheek and her lips trembled ominously. ‘Besides which, I thought that Alice might have taken the trouble to attend the funeral.’

‘You know she sent her apologies,’ Sadie said sternly. ‘Sir Henry is taking part in an important debate in the Commons, and Lady Bearwood wanted to be there to support him.’

‘I know. I’m being unreasonable. It’s all too much. If Jack had remained in London he would still be alive today.’

Caroline glanced anxiously at her brothers, but Jimmy had fallen asleep in the corner seat and Max was gazing out of the window, seemingly in a world of his own. She moved closer to Sadie, lowering her voice to a whisper. ‘What’s going on, Aunt Sadie? I know that Mama is heartbroken, but there’s more, isn’t there? I’m not a child; I need to know.’

Sadie inclined her head so that the brims of their black bonnets were almost touching. ‘It’s business, Carrie. I don’t know the ins and outs, but the loss of the Mary Louise was a blow, and between you and me, I don’t think it was insured.’

‘That was nearly a year ago,’ Caroline said, frowning.

‘That’s right. All were lost as well as the cargo.’

‘I’m grieving, but I’m not deaf.’ Esther folded back her veil. Even in her tear-stained and emotional state, she was still a handsome woman. At thirty-nine she had kept her figure and her skin was smooth with only a few laughter lines crinkling the corners of her hazel eyes, and the hint of silver in her dark hair did nothing to detract from her good looks. ‘If you have questions, ask me, Caroline. Don’t mutter behind my back.’

Sadie leaned over to pat Esther’s clasped hands. ‘I’m sorry, but you shouldn’t bottle it all up, Essie. We’re here to help you, and Carrie and the boys have lost their pa.’

Esther’s eyes swam with unshed tears. ‘I know, and I’m trying to keep the worst from them. As if it isn’t bad enough to lose the husband and father that we love, it seems inevitable that we will lose our home as well.’

‘Surely it can’t be that bad, Mama?’ Caroline said dazedly. ‘We’ve always been well off.’

‘What happened to the fortune that you brought home from the goldfields in Australia?’ Sadie asked, frowning. ‘You must still have your investments, and the business seemed to be going well.’

‘That’s all you know.’ Esther’s full lips tightened into a pencil-thin line. ‘Jack did his best to keep it from us, and I’ve only just discovered the true state of affairs. My brother must have known that the business was in a bad way when he sailed off for the Americas, but he didn’t think to confide in me. It was only when I went to the office and demanded to see the books that I discovered the parlous state of our finances. George should have said something before he went away.’

‘That’s not fair, Essie,’ Sadie protested angrily. ‘George was only doing his job. When he’s offloaded the cargo he’ll find another one to bring home, doubling the profit. You know as well as I do that that’s how it goes in business.’

Esther held up her hand, tears seeping between her closed eyelids. ‘Please, that’s enough. I don’t want to hear any more. Just leave me alone. My head is pounding.’

Caroline sat back in her seat, staring out of the window at the sun-drenched fields and hedgerows as they flashed past. Dog roses, buttercups and dandelions made bright splashes of colour against the dark green of hawthorn leaves and the pale gold of ripening cornfields. Cows grazed on patches of grass beneath shady trees and woolly white sheep clustered together on the hillsides. It was all so serene and peaceful, but Caroline had a feeling that they were heading for trouble at home, and without the solid backing of her father the future loomed before her engraved with a huge question mark.

The house in Finsbury Circus was an impressive five-storey building fronted with iron railings and a columned portico. The servants, who had been allowed to attend the funeral, had gone on ahead to ensure that everything was ready for the mourners when they arrived home. A liveried footman hurried down the steps to open the carriage door, and Ingram, the butler, stood in the doorway, waiting to usher the family and friends into the vast cathedral-like entrance hall.

Caroline drew Max aside. ‘Take Jimmy to the schoolroom and I’ll send up some food. This is going to be deadly dull.’

Max nodded. ‘Thanks, Carrie. I’m starving, so don’t forget.’ He turned to his brother and whispered something in Jimmy’s ear that brought a smile to his sad eyes.

Caroline watched her brothers take the stairs two at a time. They were young and resilient, and would have to return to Rugby School very soon, where they would continue their education, but it was Mama who concerned her the most. At the moment Esther appeared pale but calm, and in control of her emotions as she greeted her guests. Caroline and Sadie stood at her side, acknowledging the hesitant commiserations, awkward silences and set smiles as friends and acquaintances filed past. Housemaids relieved the visitors of hats, parasols and tightly furled umbrellas, while Ingram directed them to the Chinese Room where refreshments had been laid out on sparkling-white tablecloths. Caroline had checked everything before they left for Brookwood, and she had personally supervised the flower arrangements, refusing to stick to the convention of funereal white lilies by the addition of bowls spilling over with tea roses and honeysuckle from the garden. She drew one of the maids aside and gave her instructions to take two generous plates of food upstairs to the schoolroom. Satisfied that her brothers would be looked after, Caroline went to join her mother and Sadie.

‘It will soon be over,’ Sadie said in a whisper.

‘That’s what I’m afraid of,’ Esther answered in an undertone. ‘Reality will set in, but I’m not sure how I can face life without Jack.’

Caroline squeezed her mother’s cold hand. ‘We’ll help you, Mama. There’s nothing so bad that we can’t overcome it if we’re together.’

Esther’s lips quivered into a semblance of a smile. ‘Thank you, darling girl. I know I can rely on you.’ She looked up at the sound of hurrying footsteps and her smile broadened. ‘Alice, you came.’

Caroline turned to see Lady Alice Bearwood, dressed in the latest Paris fashion. Her pert bonnet was decorated with silk roses and satin bows, and the frilled skirts of her gown were drawn back into a large bustle. She exuded an aroma of expensive French perfume as she embraced Caroline before turning to give Esther a hug.

‘My dear Essie, I am so sorry I wasn’t able to attend the funeral, but I had to support Bearwood, and I must say he addressed the House in the most impressive manner.’ She held Esther at arm’s length, gazing into her face. ‘Can you forgive me?’

‘Of course. I understand how important Sir Henry is now.’

Despite her mother’s brave smile, Caroline knew that she was close to breaking point, and she squeezed her hand. ‘It’s been a difficult day, Aunt Alice.’

‘I know, and I would have attended the funeral had I been able. Your father was a good man and will be much missed.’

Caroline looked over her shoulder, frowning. ‘Is Cordelia with you, Aunt?’

‘No, I’m afraid not. She was at a ball last evening and she was still in bed when I left. I didn’t want to disturb her beauty sleep.’ Alice smiled and shook her head. ‘The season is quite exhausting, and Cordelia is much in demand.’

‘Essie, you should rest now.’ Sadie stepped forward, acknowledging Alice with a curt nod of her head. ‘It’s been a trying morning, Lady Alice.’

Esther opened her mouth to reply, but Alice slipped her arm around her friend’s shoulders. ‘Nonsense, Sadie. Essie will survive this terrible blow, but what she really needs is company and something to take her mind off things.’

‘Thank you, Alice, but I’m quite capable of speaking up for myself. I will do my duty. These people have come to pay their respects to Jack and I owe it to them to show my gratitude. It must be done.’ Esther started towards the Chinese Room, pausing to look over her shoulder. ‘I’m afraid I can’t face taking the boys back to school, Carrie. You will have to travel to Rugby with them.’

‘I will, Mama. We’ll leave first thing in the morning.’

‘I’d like you to go with her, Sadie,’ Esther said firmly. ‘They have only a short time before the term ends, and maybe you could persuade the headmaster to allow them to return home with you. I could simply keep them away, but that would be bad form.’ She continued across the hall to join the rest of the mourners with Alice at her side.

Caroline stopped outside the Chinese Room, barring Sadie’s way. ‘Just one thing, Aunt. I don’t think we should wear black tomorrow.’

‘Why ever not? It’s the custom, Carrie. We must observe the niceties.’

‘Well, I wasn’t suggesting you should wear your beloved red boots,’ Caroline said, chuckling. ‘I remember how you used to sport them on every occasion possible.’

Sadie pursed her lips. ‘I was younger then. I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing now.’

‘You were more fun then, Aunt. Anyway, that’s not what I’m saying. I just think it’s hard enough for the boys without us looking like a pair of carrion crows. I’ll wear my grey poplin, and you have a pretty lavender silk, if I remember rightly. We can change back into mourning when we return home.’

‘I think you’re right, Carrie,’ Sadie said slowly. ‘Lavender silk it shall be. Now we’d better go and support your poor mother. She’s being very brave, but I’m afraid she might find it all too much.’

Next day at Rugby School, the headmaster’s study smelled of old books, beeswax polish and ink. Dust motes danced and twirled in the rays of sunlight streaming through the tall windows, and the sound of the school bell being rung enthusiastically by an overzealous pupil signalled the end of morning lessons. The boys had been spirited away by Matron as soon as they had arrived, and Caroline had asked to see the headmaster, but she had been told that he was too busy to see anyone. In the end she had had to demand to see him and they had been granted a brief interview.

He had listened sympathetically, although, with the boys’ best interests in mind, he had said he was reluctant to grant Caroline’s request for her brothers to be released early from their studies. She had stood her ground, insisting that it was their mother’s wish to have her sons with her at such a difficult time. It was a short battle of wills and Caroline thought she had been winning the conversation when the headmaster was called away on urgent business. She stood by the smoke-blackened fireplace, anxiously awaiting his return while Sadie paced the floor.

‘What’s keeping him?’ Sadie glared angrily at the clock on the mantelshelf. ‘I’ll be very cross if we’ve spent three hours on the train only to be fobbed off by some jumped-up pedagogue.’

Despite her anxiety, Caroline could not repress a chuckle. ‘That’s a big word, Aunt Sadie.’

Sadie tossed her head. ‘Just because I didn’t have much education it doesn’t mean that I’m ignorant, Miss Caroline.’

‘Don’t get on your high horse. I remember when you used to pull faces at my governess behind her back, and you used to sneak food into the nursery when Max and I were sent to bed without any supper for being naughty.’

Sadie pursed her lips, but her eyes were smiling. ‘Don’t remind me. I shouldn’t have gone behind your parents’ backs, but I thought they were a bit too strict with you at times.’

‘And we loved you for standing up for us.’ Caroline was suddenly alert. ‘Someone’s coming.’ She clasped her hands tightly, hardly daring to breathe as the door opened.

‘Good afternoon, ladies.’ A tall man entered the room, his black gown billowing round him, and he had to bend his head in order to prevent his mortarboard from catching on the lintel. He closed the door, turning to them with a rueful smile. ‘That is the disadvantage of being too tall.’

‘Maybe it’s the fault of the doorway being too low,’ Sadie said, smiling.

Caroline glanced at her in surprise. Was it possible that her spinster aunt, who always obeyed the rules of etiquette, was flirting with this gangly, copper-haired teacher?

‘I should introduce myself.’ He looked from one to the other, his smile broadening. ‘My name is Laurence Bromley, and I have the pleasure of teaching both Max and James. The headmaster asked me to fetch the boys, but I wanted to speak to you first.’

‘I am Miss Sadie Dixon, and this is Miss Caroline Manning, the boys’ sister.’ Sadie’s cheeks were suspiciously pink as she made the necessary introductions, and Mr Bromley was smiling foolishly.

‘Is anything wrong?’ Caroline demanded. ‘Why do you need to speak to me? I simply want to take my brothers home before the end of term. Our mother needs to have them with her at this sad time.’

‘Yes, so I was told, but the Head is unlikely to give his consent, and he’s very strict about this sort of thing. They’re in the anteroom waiting to say goodbye.’

‘That isn’t good enough,’ Caroline said firmly. ‘It would be better if I had the Head’s permission, but I should warn you that I intend to take them home, regardless.’

‘In your position, I would do the same thing. I’ll show them in.’ He ushered the boys into the room and left, closing the door softly behind him.

‘I’m the man of the house now,’ Max said in a choked voice. ‘I want to go home and take care of you and Mama.’

Jimmy nodded, forcing a smile. ‘And I’ll do my best to cheer Mama up.’

Caroline dropped a kiss on his curly head. ‘I know you will, Jimmy. It will be lovely having both of you at home for a while longer.’

‘Mr Bromley is leaving today,’ Max said eagerly. ‘He’s a good chap, Carrie. All the boys like him, but he’s had some rows with the Head.’

Sadie eyed him curiously. ‘Mr Bromley doesn’t give the impression of being a difficult man.’

‘Well, it’s none of our business.’ Caroline patted James on the back. ‘If you’re feeling better we’ll get going. I told the cabby to wait for us.’

‘What about our trunks and tuck boxes?’ Max said frowning. ‘If I know the fellows in my dorm they’ll take what’s left, although there’s not much.’

‘I’m sure we’ve got enough food at home to satisfy your appetite.’ Sadie ruffled his hair, but he moved away, gazing anxiously at his reflection in the glass-fronted bookcase and smoothing his dark-blond curls.

‘I’m too old for that sort of treatment, Aunt Sadie. I’m grown up now.’

‘I used to say much the same when I was your age,’ Sadie said with a rueful smile. ‘That was a long time ago.’

‘You’re not so very old,’ James said quickly.

‘I’m the most senior member of the family present, so I think we should do as your sister says, and make a move.’

James opened his mouth as if to comment, but at that moment the door opened to admit Laurence Bromley. He was not smiling.

‘I’m sorry, Miss Manning, but the Head is adamant that the boys should remain in school until the end of term.’

‘Really? That is unfortunate.’ Caroline grabbed James by the hand. ‘We’re leaving now whether the headmaster likes it or not. He can’t prevent me from taking my brothers home and, to be honest, I doubt very much whether they will return. Perhaps you would be kind enough to ensure that their belongings are sent on by carrier.’ She pushed past him, with James clinging to her hand. ‘Come along, Sadie.’

‘Miss Manning, please wait a moment …’

Caroline ignored his protest and quickened her pace. A vision of her mother’s tear-stained face was enough to spur her on. She was taking her brothers home.

Chapter Two

Emotional scenes greeted the boys on their return home to find the household in deep mourning. Curtains remained drawn, mirrors were covered and Esther had ordered all clocks to be stopped at the moment of her husband’s passing. Caroline grieved for her father, but she was more concerned for the living, and after a week of existing in a state of permanent gloom she managed to persuade her mother to allow daylight into the house. She was not bothered by the lack of mirrors, but stopping the clocks was another matter, and eventually Esther agreed that they should be restarted, except for the one in her bedchamber, where the gilt hands would point for ever to the moment when her heart was broken.

Caroline did her best to look after James, and although Max stoutly refused to admit that he was in need of emotional support, she knew that he, too, was suffering the loss of a much-loved parent. Their mother seemed to have drifted into a half-world where she was present in body, but her thoughts were far away.

And then there were the bills. Tradesmen began to knock on the door demanding payment. Ingram sent them on their way, but that did not stop the stream of documents that arrived daily, demanding large sums of money, which shocked Caroline to the core. In her seventeen years of life she had never needed to worry about whether she could afford a new gown or a pair of shoes, let alone how they were going to pay for the food they ate, the coal that heated the house and the candles that lit their rooms. Suddenly these problems became very real.

‘What are we going to do, Aunt Sadie?’ Caroline rushed into the dining room one morning, waving a sheaf of demands for payment under Sadie’s nose. ‘Mama seems to think that our housekeeper deals with the tradesmen’s accounts, but when I spoke to Mrs Hayes she told me that she had always passed them on to Papa.’

‘It’s obvious that we’re in desperate need of funds.’ Sadie rose from the table. ‘I think perhaps a visit to the office would be in order. We can’t involve your mama, not yet anyway.’

Caroline nodded emphatically. ‘I agree. I just wish I knew more about the business. Mama would never discuss such things with me.’

‘I need to have a word with Ezra Parkinson, although I’ve never had much faith in him as a manager.’ Sadie glanced at her reflection in one of the gilt-framed wall mirrors, patting a stray strand of hair into place. ‘I always hoped that I would run the office one day, because I started working there when I was even younger than Max, but it wasn’t to be.’

‘Why wasn’t it, Aunt Sadie? That doesn’t seem right.’

‘After they were married your parents built the company, working side by side until you were born, and by that time they could afford to pay a manager and take on more clerks, and I wasn’t needed any more. It’s a man’s world, Carrie. We just have to accept it as a fact.’

‘I’m not so sure about that,’ Caroline said, smiling. ‘But we need to sort this out, Aunt. I’m coming with you.’

‘All right, but don’t say anything to your mother. There’s no need to bother her with this.’

‘Give me five minutes to fetch my bonnet and reticule and we’ll go now, before Mama is up and about.’

‘It’s little wonder that she sleeps until noon,’ Sadie said, sighing. ‘I hear her walking about her room well into the early hours.’

‘That means you don’t get much sleep either.’

‘I’ve always been like that, but your mother is wearing herself out. I worry about her.’

‘When we’ve been to the office I intend to call on Aunt Alice. She is the only person who might be able to help Mama.’

The hansom cab dropped them off outside the company office, which was situated in Wapping High Street. Caroline had known Ezra Parkinson since she was a small child. Even then she had realised that there was a certain amount of ill-feeling between her aunt and Ezra. He was always very courteous and obliging, but now she was older she felt that he was a little too familiar, and it was obvious that he had little time for women. The smile that curved his lips never quite reached the dark depths of his hooded eyes, and his obsequious manner barely masked an undercurrent of contempt.

Sadie marched into the outer office and came to a sudden halt. ‘Where is everyone?’ she demanded, gazing at the empty desks.

‘It’s too early for luncheon,’ Caroline said, frowning. ‘Mr Masters, the head clerk, was always sitting behind the counter when I used to visit Papa.’

Sadie rang the hand bell and its peal echoed mockingly around the empty room.

Caroline opened the door to the inner office. ‘Anyone there?’ she called. ‘Mr Parkinson, it’s me, Caroline Manning.’

‘Really, this is too bad. Even in the old days we would never leave the office unattended.’ Sadie pushed past her. ‘Parkinson. Are you there?’

A door at the back of the building opened and Parkinson emerged, carrying a brown leather bag. ‘Miss Dixon and Miss Manning. I wasn’t expecting to see you here today.’

‘What’s going on, Parkinson?’ Sadie demanded angrily. ‘Where is Masters? And why is there no one on the front desk?’

‘Times are hard, miss.’ Parkinson edged past them. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I have a business appointment.’

Caroline barred his way. ‘That’s not good enough, Mr Parkinson. It looks to me as if you’re leaving and you don’t intend to return.’

‘Even the rats desert a sinking ship, miss. I’m not vermin, but I know when the business is about to go bankrupt.’

With surprising strength, Sadie grabbed him by the shoulders and propelled him into the front office. She gave him a gentle shove, catching him off balance so that he sat down heavily on the nearest chair. ‘Now then, you’d better explain before I send Miss Caroline down to the Dock Police and have you arrested. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’d emptied the safe and the company’s money is in that bag.’

‘That’s slander, Miss Dixon. I could have you up before the beak for that.’

‘Not if it’s true, and judging by your demeanour, I think I might have hit the nail on the head.’

Caroline went to the door. ‘Shall I call a constable, Aunt?’

‘Let him speak first.’ Sadie leaned against the desk, folding her arms across her chest. ‘We’re listening, Mr Parkinson.’

‘You’ll find out sooner or later anyway.’ Parkinson put the bag down by his feet. ‘The business has been floundering for months, ever since the loss of the Mary Louise.’

‘But surely we were insured with Lloyd’s?’ Caroline stared at him, frowning. ‘Weren’t we?’

‘We could not afford the premium for such an old vessel, Miss Manning. It was a total loss and that, together with the expensive refit on your uncle’s ship, simply added to our difficulties.’

‘There’s something very wrong here, Parkinson,’ Sadie said angrily. ‘You need to give a full account of your dealings to Mr George.’

‘The paddle steamers we owned were sold at the beginning of the year, and I don’t know when Mr George will return, but whenever it is it’s too late to save the company, Miss Dixon. I’m getting out before the bailiffs arrive.’

‘It can’t be as bad as that.’ Caroline looked from one to the other. ‘We own the house in Finsbury Circus. Mama is a wealthy woman.’

Parkinson shrugged. ‘Tell that to your creditors.’

‘Aunt Sadie?’ Caroline crossed the floor to stand beside her aunt. ‘Tell him that the house must be worth a great deal of money. Tell him.’

‘You’re right, of course, Carrie, dear, but I’m afraid it’s rented. Your father wanted the world to see how successful he’d been and he insisted on moving to Finsbury Circus, even though your mama was happy living in the Captain’s House.’

Caroline stared at her in a state of shock. The safe and secure world of her childhood had been swept away with a few ill-chosen words. ‘I remember living in that old house, and I loved it, but then we moved to Finsbury Circus. I thought we owned our home.’

Sadie laid her hand on Caroline’s shoulder, her eyes moist with unshed tears. ‘I’m sorry, my dear. This must be a terrible shock, but things are not always what they seem.’

Parkinson clutched his hands to his breast in mock horror. ‘Poor child, my heart aches for you.’

Caroline rounded on him. ‘Hold your tongue, you horrid man. This isn’t a laughing matter.’

‘Indeed it ain’t, for you, anyway. I’m saving meself, Miss High and Mighty. Take my tip and find yourself a rich husband before the news gets out.’

‘Shut up, Parkinson,’ Sadie said wearily, sinking down into a chair. ‘At least we still own the Captain’s House. Thankfully, whether out of sentiment or for a more practical reason, Jack rented it out.’

Parkinson curled his lip, reminding Caroline of a snarling cur. ‘Then the bailiffs will seize it first.’

‘I hate to disappoint you,’ Sadie said smugly. ‘But Jack had the forethought to put it in my name. I own the Captain’s House – it was to be my dowry.’

‘I remember that it had a lovely friendly atmosphere and a wonderful view of the river.’ Caroline closed her eyes, trying to envision her room at the top of the old house. ‘Pa’s housekeeper told me that the captain who had built the house still kept watch over it, and sometimes I could smell tobacco smoke in my room, but I wasn’t afraid. If it was a ghost, it was a friendly one.’

‘Your mother loved the place, and I think she would have been content to live there for ever, but Jack wanted only the best for his family.’ Sadie sighed and turned her head away. ‘Life was simpler then, and we were all much younger. Anything seemed possible.’

‘This is all very interesting, Miss Dixon,’ Parkinson said sarcastically, ‘but the creditors haven’t been paid for weeks. The firm is facing bankruptcy and the sooner you realise that the better.’

‘I find that hard to believe.’ Sadie faced him angrily. ‘I think you’ve mismanaged the business, and now you’re running away.’

‘If Mr Manning hadn’t died he would have been held to account, but I don’t intend to take the blame for the collapse of the company. I’ve got an interview with one of our competitors this very afternoon. I want that job and I need to get out of here before all this becomes public.’

‘But there must be something left,’ Caroline said slowly. ‘Uncle George will make things right when he returns.’

Parkinson leaned over to open a drawer and produced a ledger, which he slammed down on the desk. ‘Study this, ladies. It lists all the ingoings and outgoings, the profits and the losses, of which there are many. The Esther Manning should have docked three days ago, but I reckon Mr George has seen the light and has decided to stay away. Maybe he’ll start up a business of his own in the Americas. That’s what I’d do if I were him.’

‘No, that’s so unfair.’ Caroline struggled to speak as her throat tightened and she had to force back tears. ‘Uncle George wouldn’t do such a thing.’

‘Of course not,’ Sadie added angrily. ‘You’re the villain here, Parkinson. Did you pay off the clerks and have you taken your wages from the money in the safe?’

‘It was ours by rights.’ Parkinson opened a second drawer and took out a bundle of documents, tossing them onto Sadie’s lap. ‘Unpaid accounts. I’m sick of being dunned by angry suppliers of everything from coal to caulking. Sort that out, if you can, but maybe you’ll believe me when you see how much the company owes.’ He snatched up his bag, opened it and tipped the contents onto the desk. An apple, a red spotted handkerchief, a tobacco pouch and a pipe spilled onto the grimy wooden surface, which had once been polished to a conker shine. ‘That’s all I’m taking from here, miss. It’s true I paid the clerks because they all have families to feed, and I took my wages, too, but not a penny more.’ He stowed his belongings away and rose to his feet. ‘Now, I’m going. Call a constable, if you wish, but I ain’t done nothing wrong. You’d best face up to the fact that it’s over. You’re like the rest of us now. You’ll have to work to earn your daily bread.’ He stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

‘Do you think he was telling the truth?’ Caroline asked anxiously. ‘Surely it can’t be as bad as he says.’

‘I think I’d better study the books,’ Sadie said slowly. ‘It’s a while since I worked here, but I don’t suppose the system has changed very much.’ She handed the documents to Caroline. ‘Look through these and see what you make of them, Carrie. I can’t do it all.’

Caroline smoothed the crumpled papers. ‘At least I can do something useful. Maybe we’ll discover something that he’s missed.’

‘Maybe.’ Sadie shook her head. ‘It doesn’t look good so far, but at least the Captain’s House is safe. Your ma knows all about it, Carrie. When the Mary Louise was lost your pa must have known that things weren’t going too well. He changed his will and left the house to me in case the worst happened, and it looks as though it has.’

‘Why didn’t he leave it to me or to Max?’

‘I know it must seem odd to you, love. But your ma and I go back a long way. We had such adventures you can hardly believe, and I helped them to build the business until it was a genuine rival to the Colville Shipping Company. Jack knew that he could trust me, and that I would never let his family down.’ Sadie took a hanky from her pocket and blew her nose. ‘Come on, love. We’ve got work to do.’

After two hours the desk was littered with papers and Sadie had discarded her mourning bonnet and black lace mittens. Strands of fair hair were tucked behind her ears and there was a smudge of ink on the tip of her nose. Caroline reached over to retrieve a particularly large bill for engine oil and placed it on top of the pile.

‘These are all genuine, as far as I can see, and none of the accounts seem to have been settled. It looks as though Parkinson was telling the truth.’

Sadie closed the ledger and laid it on the desk. ‘I’m afraid so, Carrie. Our only hope is for your uncle to return with enough money to satisfy at least some of the creditors, but even a quick glance at the accounts shows that we would need a small miracle to keep the company from insolvency.’

‘Papa must have known about the state of things,’ Caroline said slowly. ‘Why did he allow it to happen?’

‘Only he could answer that, but I do know that Jack blamed the Colvilles for taking away our trade, and I know he went to see Phineas Colville before he went to Germany. He seemed to be more cheerful afterwards, but his mood changed suddenly and he became very withdrawn. Anyway, whatever went on then, it’s up to us to try to salvage what we can.’

Caroline rose to her feet and went to the window. The sun was shining and the River Thames reflected the azure sky, but the heat of midsummer had brought misery to those in the city. Flies swarmed over the detritus in the gutter and the tangled mess of horse dung and straw, which carpeted the cobbled streets. The stench from sewers and uncollected night soil filtered through gaps in the door, and just yards from the window, she could see stick-thin, bare-footed children openly begging. A small gang of bigger and bolder boys were stalking an unwary pedestrian like a pack of hungry wolf cubs, no doubt intent on picking the gentleman’s pockets for anything from a handkerchief to a wallet or a fat purse. It would be easy to condemn them as young villains, but, despite her sheltered upbringing, Caroline understood that terrible poverty existed, although so far it had not touched her life. She turned to Sadie with a sudden feeling of dread.

‘What will happen to us if Uncle George doesn’t return soon?’

Sadie reached for her bonnet and rammed it on her head, tying the ribbons without attempting to check her appearance in the small, fly-spotted mirror that was perched on the mantelshelf next to the black slate clock. ‘Heaven help us, Carrie. That’s all I can say.’ She pulled on her mittens and picked up her reticule. ‘But one thing is for certain – we must not tell your mama.’

‘She’ll have to know some time,’ Carrie said, frowning. ‘Unless I can persuade her to go and stay with Aunt Alice.’

‘They were quite close at one time.’

‘Then I know what I must do. Have we enough money for the cab fare to Bearwood House?’

A wry smile wiped away Sadie’s worried frown. ‘We are not quite destitute. The cab can drop me off at home and take you on to Piccadilly. I think it might be better if you approach Lady Alice on your own.’

Cordelia was in the drawing room at Bearwood House, seated on the floor with her skirts billowing around her like the petals of a flower, and the Aubusson carpet was scattered with swatches of material. She looked up and smiled.

‘Caroline, this is a lovely surprise. You’re just in time to help me choose between silk, lace and muslin, and I’m at a loss to decide what colour will suit me best.’

Caroline felt a sudden surge of impatience – the loss of a beloved parent had turned her whole world upside down, and all Cordelia Bearwood could think of was her next ball gown. But Cordelia’s smile was sunny and she was not to know of the catastrophic events that had overtaken the Manning family. Caroline took a deep breath and forced her lips into a smile.

‘I need to talk to your mama, Delia. Is she at home?’

‘What’s the matter?’ Cordelia scrambled to her feet. Taking Caroline by the hand she led her to the sofa and pressed her down onto the silk damask. ‘My dear, you’re white as a sheet. Are you ill?’

‘I’m quite well, Delia. But I must see Lady Alice. It really is quite urgent.’

‘I’ll go and find her. Wait here, I’ll be as quick as I can.’ Cordelia hurried to the door, pausing to glance over her shoulder. ‘You aren’t going to faint, or anything stupid, are you?’

‘I’m made of stronger stuff, and I’m sorry if I’ve alarmed you, but Lady Alice will know what to do.’

‘Wait there – don’t move.’ With a flurry of muslin skirts and lace-frilled petticoats, Cordelia hurried from the room.

Caroline sat very still, gazing around the luxuriously appointed room with a stifled sigh. Until today she had taken this standard of living for granted, but, for the first time, she was looking at the expensive hand-painted wallpaper and the priceless oil paintings with a new eye. She ran her fingers over the peach-coloured damask, so delicate to the touch that it felt like caressing a baby’s smooth skin. Each piece of furniture had been matched perfectly with its neighbour. The pier table standing between two tall windows, draped with peach damask curtains, was set below a pier glass in which she could see herself reflected. She dropped her gaze, clasping her hands tightly in her lap as the hard truth dawned upon her – this would most probably be the last time she might visit Bearwood House on equal terms with her hosts.

She jumped as the door opened to admit Lady Alice, followed by her daughter, and Caroline rose to her feet, dropping a curtsey.

‘Good heavens!’ Alice stared at her in dismay. ‘Whatever is the matter, Carrie? Delia said that you were upset, but you look distraught. Sit down and tell me what’s happened.’

Haltingly at first, Caroline explained her predicament, and then the words came tumbling out. ‘I can’t tell, Mama. She’s broken-hearted as it is, and to lose Papa and our home would be a terrible blow.’

Alice patted her on the shoulder. ‘Your mama is made of stronger stuff than you realise, Carrie. If you’d seen how she coped during our long sea voyages, when I was laid low with mal de mer, and how she rose to the challenge of living in the Australian goldfields, you would know that she can cope with almost anything.’

‘Except the loss of my father,’ Caroline said sadly. ‘Even if Uncle George were to return today, I doubt if we could save our home. He might be able to persuade our creditors to allow him time to pay off the company’s debts, but according to Sadie they are enormous.’

‘When is your uncle’s ship due in, Carrie?’

‘It’s overdue. No one knows where she is.’

‘That’s worrying.’ Alice rose to her feet. ‘Ring the bell, Delia. I’ll order my carriage and we’ll go to Finsbury Circus. I think, in the circumstances, that it might be best if I break the news to Essie.’

Caroline stood up, eyeing her with a worried frown. ‘What will you say to her?’

‘Don’t worry, my dear. I know how to handle your mama. We’ve been friends for twenty years and we’ve been through a lot together. I’m going down to Devonshire – I plan to spend a few weeks at Daumerle – and I’ll suggest that she accompanies me. In fact, I’ll insist upon it.’

‘That’s very kind of you, but what about my brothers? They’re supposed to be in school.’

‘I’ll talk it over with Essie, but it sounds as if they will have to leave Rugby. Maybe they would like to spend some time with us in Devonshire, and you are more than welcome, also, Carrie.’

Cordelia put her head on one side, eyeing Caroline with a worried frown. ‘You poor girl. I wish now that I hadn’t accepted the invitation to spend the rest of the summer at Fairleigh Hall with Euphemia’s family, which means that I won’t be able to join you. I suppose I could cancel the arrangement.’

‘No, please don’t do that on my account,’ Caroline said hastily. ‘I want to stay in London. There must be something I can do to keep the company going until Uncle George returns.’

‘But where will you stay?’ Alice demanded. ‘You’re not thinking clearly. I know it’s been a shock—’ She broke off as the door opened to admit a neatly dressed parlour maid. ‘Send for my carriage, Franklin, and tell Merrifield to bring me my bonnet and shawl. She’ll know which one I need.’

‘Shall I come with you, Mama?’ Cordelia asked anxiously. ‘I’ll postpone my appointment with the dressmaker.’

‘There’s no need,’ Caroline said. ‘I’ll go with your mama, Delia. This is my problem, not yours.’

Esther was in no state to gainsay her wilful friend. Lady Alice Bearwood was a force to be reckoned with, and within an hour of her arrival at the house in Finsbury Circus she had almost managed to convince Esther that a trip to the country would be beneficial to her health. Not only that, but she skilfully created the impression that she was in desperate need of companionship.

‘You always loved Daumerle, Essie,’ Alice said gently. ‘We could visit my cousin Freddie at Starcross Abbey. You always got on so well with him.’

‘I’m not very good company at the moment, Alice. Perhaps another time.’

‘But that is why you need something to divert you, Mama.’ Caroline slipped her arm around her mother’s slender shoulders. ‘A good rest and country air will revive your spirits.’

‘Yes, indeed,’ Alice said firmly. ‘Moping around is going to make matters worse. I know how you must be grieving for Jack, we all miss him, but he wouldn’t want you to be unhappy.’

Caroline could see that her mother was weakening. ‘Aunt Alice is right. A few weeks in the country will make all the difference.’

‘But I can’t abandon the boys. They need me to be strong for them.’

‘They’re not babies now, Mama. I can look after Max and Jimmy.’

‘You heard your daughter,’ Alice said briskly. ‘Come to Devonshire with me and it will be like old times. You can send for the boys when you’re feeling stronger.’

‘It would be nice to get away from London for a while. It’s so hot and airless in midsummer, and it would be lovely to see Freddie again.’ A faint smile curved Esther’s lips. ‘I often think about our days in the goldfields. It was hard leaving Pa and our friends when we returned home.’

‘Do you regret parting from Raven?’

Esther shrugged and turned away. ‘It wasn’t my choice, but had I stayed I wouldn’t have met Jack – he was the love of my life.’

‘If you say so, my dear.’ Alice held out her hand. ‘You need a change of scene, Essie. If you’ve no objections, we’ll leave for Devonshire first thing in the morning.’

It was with a feeling of relief that Caroline waved goodbye to her mother who, despite her continued protests, was ensconced in the luxury of the Bearwoods’ carriage as it set off for Waterloo Bridge Station. Merrifield, Alice’s maid, followed with a mountain of luggage piled into the barouche.

‘We did it,’ Sadie said triumphantly as she crossed the entrance hall, heading for the morning room. ‘Your mama will be well cared for, Carrie, so don’t worry.’

‘At least we managed to keep the worst from her,’ Caroline said, sighing. ‘But she’ll have to know sooner or later.’

‘Your father’s death has hit her hard, but she’s a strong woman and she’ll recover, eventually.’

‘She really loved my pa.’

‘I know, and as I grew up I used to envy her. But I’m well and truly on the shelf, and, at my age, there’s little chance of finding a love like that.’

Caroline eyed her curiously. ‘You’re not old, Aunt Sadie.’

‘I’m nearly thirty-two, Carrie. Far too old to be romantic, or even hopeful. Anyway, I think it’s time you called me Sadie. It would stop me feeling like a spinster aunt.’ Sadie opened the door to the morning parlour and went to sit by the window, gazing out at the busy street. ‘You would think that among all those people there might be one man, just one, who would take pity on an old maid.’

‘Don’t belittle yourself, Sadie,’ Caroline said with a wry smile as she took a seat by the fireplace. ‘You’re a wonderful person and you’ve been more like a big sister to me. We’re in this mess together, like it or not. I think it reflects badly on all the men in London that not one of them has seen you for what you are.’

Sadie glanced at her, pulling a face. ‘I was abandoned as a baby. I don’t suppose you know that, Carrie. It’s not something I care to talk about, but I was raised in the Foundling Hospital and sent into service when I was twelve. That’s how I met your mother. If it weren’t for Essie I would still be a servant, at the beck and call of others.’

‘I didn’t know, but it doesn’t matter to me. I love you as if you were my aunt.’

Sadie’s pale blue eyes filled with tears and she turned her head away. ‘Thank you. That means a lot to me.’

‘We still have to decide what to do,’ Caroline said thoughtfully. ‘And there’s Max and Jimmy. I’ll have to break it to them that Mama has gone down to Devonshire for a while, but there’s no question of them returning to school because there isn’t the money to pay their fees.’

‘Where are they now? They should be here.’

‘I gave the under footman some money to take them to the Zoological Gardens. Max was keen to see the reptile house and Jimmy wanted to visit the aquarium. It’s been such a sad homecoming for them, so I thought it would be a diversion.’

‘Quite right,’ Sadie said, nodding. ‘But we have to face facts. Parkinson was right and the business is all but bankrupt. If your uncle returns in the next few days with a profitable cargo we might be able to hold off our creditors, but that seems more and more unlikely.’

‘I went through the papers in Papa’s desk, and the rent on this house is paid quarterly. It’s due in a week’s time, and we’re almost completely out of funds.’

‘Jack obviously kept the state of the company’s finances a secret from Esther. It’s more serious than I thought …’ Sadie’s voice trailed off as she leaned forward to peer out of the window.

‘What can you see?’

‘I thought I saw a familiar face, but I must have been mistaken. We’ll sort something out. Don’t worry.’

‘There’s someone hammering on the front door.’ Caroline stood up, reaching for the bell pull. ‘Why isn’t anyone answering? Where are the servants?’

‘I’ve a nasty feeling that they’re having a meeting below stairs,’ Sadie said slowly. ‘Mrs Hayes muttered something about it when I saw her earlier this morning, although I didn’t take much notice at the time.’

‘I suppose I’d better go.’ Caroline hurried from the room. The visitor was getting impatient and continued to rap on the door. She opened it, staring at the visitor in surprise.

Chapter Three

‘Miss Manning?’ The man snatched off his bowler hat, allowing a shock of carroty hair to fall over his eyes. ‘I didn’t expect you to come to the door.’

He looked vaguely familiar, but she could not place him. ‘I’m sorry. You seem to know me, but I’m afraid I can’t return the compliment, sir. Who are you?’

‘Laurence Bromley. We met at Rugby School.’

‘Of course. Yes, I remember you now.’ Caroline hesitated, wondering whether to invite him in or not. ‘You were about to leave your employment on the day we arrived.’

‘Yes, that’s right.’

‘Then you haven’t come to take my brothers back to school …’

‘No, that’s not the case, Miss Manning.’

She stood aside. ‘You’d better come in, but I have to tell you that the boys won’t be returning to Rugby.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that. It’s an excellent school.’

‘But you didn’t find it to your liking.’

‘There were personal differences between myself and the headmaster.’

‘So why are you here today, Mr Bromley?’

‘I was in the area and I was concerned for the boys’ welfare.’

Ingram had appeared from the depths of the house, but Caroline had no intention of discussing family matters in front of the butler. ‘You’d better come with me, Mr Bromley.’ She beckoned to the butler. ‘We’ll have coffee in the morning parlour, and some of Cook’s seed cake, too.’

Ingram cleared his throat, standing stiffly to attention. ‘I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Miss Caroline.’

She turned to him, eyebrows raised. ‘What did you say?’

‘The talk in the servants’ hall is that we are all to lose our positions, Miss Caroline.’

‘Perhaps I should come back another time,’ Laurence said in a low voice.

‘No, you’re here now.’ Caroline turned to Ingram, keeping calm with difficulty. ‘We’ll sort this out later.’

‘Cook is packing her bags as we speak. She’s been offered another position and has decided to accept it.’

‘This is obviously a bad time,’ Laurence said hastily. ‘I should go.’

‘No. You came here to enquire about my brothers, and I appreciate your concern.’ Caroline turned to Ingram. ‘I’m sure that someone in the kitchen could make a pot of coffee or some tea. I’d be obliged if you would see to it, please, Ingram.’

‘Of course, Miss Caroline.’ Ingram walked off stiffly as if performing a slow march.

‘Miss Dixon is in the morning parlour,’ Caroline said, making an effort to sound casual, although her mind was racing. The news of their financial problems had obviously travelled fast, and she needed time to think. ‘Come with me, Mr Bromley.’ She crossed the entrance hall and ushered him into the parlour. ‘Sadie, we have a visitor.’

Sadie rose to her feet, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. ‘Mr Bromley, I thought I recognised you. I saw you striding along the pavement, looking very purposeful. What brings you to London?’

‘Please take a seat,’ Caroline said, remembering her manners.

He pulled up a chair and sat down. ‘I knew where Max and James lived, and I was passing, so I thought I would call, but it seems that I picked a bad time.’

‘The servants have heard of our financial difficulties, Sadie. Apparently Cook is leaving and it looks as if the others might follow.’ Caroline turned to Bromley. He seemed to be a sensible man and there was no point pretending that all was well. ‘My father’s untimely death has left us in some money problems, Mr Bromley. My brothers couldn’t return to Rugby, even if they wanted to.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Why are you in London, Mr Bromley?’ Sadie fixed him with a steady look. ‘Have you found employment here?’

‘As a matter of fact I’ve decided to branch out on my own.’

‘Do you mean to open a school?’ Sadie’s eyes shone with enthusiasm. ‘What a splendid idea.’

‘Not exactly. I was thinking more of taking on a few pupils to start with, providing I can find suitable accommodation. I’m not a wealthy man, so I would have to start in a small way, but one day I would like to have my own establishment where I could tutor bright boys, and even a few girls.’

‘How progressive of you.’ Caroline met his candid gaze with a smile of approval. ‘I think that the mothers of future generations should be well educated, but not many people would agree with me.’

‘I do, and I hope to do something about it.’

‘What sort of premises had you in mind, Mr Bromley?’ Sadie asked eagerly. ‘Would it need to be very large?’

‘Not at the beginning. I could only take two or three pupils at a time, so a single room would suffice. But enough about me, you have problems of your own. It was Max and James who were my concern.’

‘One of the servants has taken them to the Zoological Gardens,’ Caroline said hastily. ‘They are grieving for Papa, as you will understand, and I know that they should be furthering their education, but I’m afraid that looks very unlikely at the moment.’

‘Maybe not.’ Sadie focused her attention on Laurence. ‘Are you a good teacher?’

‘I would hope so, Miss Dixon.’

‘And you need to find a suitable premises?’

‘That’s so.’

‘I think we might be able to help you, and you in turn could help us by tutoring Max and James, but I need to talk it over with Caroline before I make any suggestions.’

Caroline stared at her, mystified. ‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.’

‘Maybe I should call again, when you’ve had time to discuss matters.’ Bromley pushed back his chair and stood up. ‘I should go now.’

‘Come this time tomorrow,’ Sadie said firmly. ‘I’ll see you out, Mr Bromley.’ She rose to her feet and hustled him out of the room, returning minutes later with a satisfied smile on her face. ‘Well, what do you think, Carrie?’

‘I’m completely in the dark.’

‘As I told that wretch Parkinson, the Captain’s House is mine.’ Sadie reached out to clasp Caroline’s hand. ‘Although your father’s will has to go to Probate, and, under the present circumstances I think it ought to have come to you.’

‘I don’t agree. If Papa wanted you to have the house then that’s how it should be. He couldn’t have foreseen the future.’

‘What’s mine is yours, Carrie. We can live there together.’

‘Are you suggesting we should all move to Wapping? What would Mama say to that?’

‘She’s not going to have much choice. Unless your uncle returns very soon we’ll lose this place and have nowhere else to go other than the Captain’s House. It’s not huge, but Mr Bromley could use one of the rooms to tutor pupils, including Max and James.’

‘But we know nothing about him, Sadie.’

‘That’s easy, we’ll just ask the boys what they think. I have a feeling that it would work well, and really, what choice do we have? We could never raise the amount it costs to keep them at boarding school.’

‘I’m not giving up so easily.’ Caroline gazed round the room. ‘I’ve never thought about it before, but some of the ornaments and paintings that my parents collected must have a value. Mama took all her jewellery, I know because I saw her packing it, but there are the silver candlesticks and salvers – they must be worth quite a lot of money.’

‘Are you hoping to pay the rent from such a sale?’

‘Why not? If I can just keep everything together until Uncle George returns I’m sure we’ll be all right.’

‘I wish I could be as optimistic, but you’re right to try.’

‘If the worst happens, I suppose we’ll have to move to the Captain’s House.’

‘At least we would have a roof over our heads.’

‘I don’t think that Mama would want to live in Wapping now.’

‘She grew up in Limehouse. I don’t suppose you’ve ever ventured into that rough area, but it’s nothing like Finsbury Circus. As a child Essie worked the river with your grandfather, and they were very poor.’

‘Nevertheless, I’ll do everything I can to save our home.’

‘You’d better start by finding another cook,’ Sadie said drily. ‘Would you like me to go below stairs and see what I can do?’

‘Yes, please do, and I’ll go through the house and sort out items we can sell. I’ll make a placard to tie to the railings outside, advertising the sale. What do you think, Sadie?’

‘It might work, Carrie. It’s worth a try.’

Caroline spent the rest of the day going from room to room, picking out the objects that she thought had the highest value and arranging them in the dining room. Ingram was stiff with disapproval and made his feelings perfectly clear without saying a word. She ignored him and went ahead, enlisting help from Max and James when they returned from their trip to the zoo. They were bubbling with enthusiasm and James had decided that he wanted to be an explorer like Dr Livingstone and bring back rare species for the Zoological Gardens. Max was more interested in the sale of their property, but was very relieved to find that Caroline had not touched anything in his room.

That evening they made a large placard advertising the sale, taking turns in painting the letters with Indian ink. They took it outside and Max hung it over the railings for all to see, and straight away it attracted the attention of passers-by. Caroline stood back, eyeing it critically.

‘I think that should do the trick.’

‘It’s just as well that Mama went to Devonshire,’ Max said, grinning. ‘She wouldn’t have allowed this.’

‘I can’t see any alternative. The rent is due in a few days’ time and there’s a huge pile of unpaid bills.’ Caroline glanced over her shoulder to see the butler standing at the top of the steps, clutching a portmanteau in his gloved hand. ‘Are you going somewhere, Ingram?’

‘This is public humiliation, Miss Caroline. I’m going to stay with my sister in Highgate while I seek another position. I’ve left my address in the housekeeper’s office, but I think you’ll find that Mrs Hayes will be the next to leave. We can’t afford to work for nothing.’

‘How long is it since you were paid?’ Caroline stared at him in surprise.

‘Too long, Miss Caroline. If you come into funds you can send the money to me, not that I’m pinning my hopes on such an outcome.’ He marched down the steps and walked off, swinging a large black umbrella with a horse’s-head handle.

‘That belonged to Papa,’ Max said angrily. ‘Shall I go and get it from him, Carrie?’

She laid her hand on his arm. ‘No, let him keep it. I’m truly sorry that I can’t pay him what he’s owed, but I’ll tell you this – I will get the money somehow, and I’ll recompense the servants and the creditors, even if it takes for ever.’

Max shrugged and raised his eyebrows. ‘Good luck with that, Carrie.’

She gazed at her younger brother as if seeing him for the first time. ‘You’ve grown so tall, Max. Soon I’ll have to look up to you.’

‘If I was older I’d go out and earn my living and you wouldn’t have to worry about money.’

‘We’ll look after each other,’ Caroline said, smiling. ‘Let’s go inside and see what Sadie has prepared for our supper. She tells me that she learned to cook when she was even younger than you.’ Caroline linked arms with her brother and they mounted the steps together. She glanced over her shoulder before entering the house and was pleased to note the growing number of people who stopped to read the sign posted on the railings outside. Tomorrow would be a good day – she had a feeling in her bones. They would make enough money to stave off disaster and enable them to sit it out until their uncle’s ship returned to London.

Next morning crowds of people flooded into the house. Caroline had opened the door and was almost knocked over in the stampede. Luckily she had placed Max and James in the middle of the entrance hall with Sadie on duty in the dining room. The house had been eerily quiet as, following Ingram’s example, most of the servants had walked out. Mrs Hayes had departed that morning, leaving a couple of kitchen maids, who had nowhere else to go. Caroline had set them simple tasks and Sadie had prepared a stew, which was simmering on the hob in readiness for their meal later in the day.

‘Not that way,’ Caroline cried anxiously as a well-dressed couple headed for the staircase. ‘The items for sale are in the dining room. Please follow the others.’

Glaring at her, the pair retraced their steps and fell in line behind the queue that was already stretching out onto the pavement. Caroline was still directing the prospective purchasers when James pushed his way through the crowd to whisper in her ear.

‘Aunt Sadie says you’re to come to the dining room. She can’t manage on her own.’

Caroline nodded. ‘All right, but you must stand here.’

‘I don’t know what to do.’

She patted her brother’s curly head. ‘Just make sure they go straight to the dining room and don’t allow anyone to go upstairs or into any of the other rooms.’

James glanced at the crowds. ‘I’ll try, Carrie.’

‘Good boy. I’ll be back as soon as I can.’ Caroline hurried towards the dining room, threading her way through the lines of people, some of whom were pushing and shoving as if expecting to snatch a bargain. She found Sadie besieged by customers eager to purchase an ornament, a vase or silk cushion. Others had armfuls of Esther’s best porcelain dinner service, and a large lady in purple had two silver candelabras clutched to her ample bosom. Sadie appeared to be arguing with a gentleman whose raised voice and flushed cheeks indicated a state of extreme agitation.

‘But that is an outrageous price. I could go to the potteries and purchase an item like this for half the price.’

‘Then I suggest you buy a ticket at the railway station and travel north, sir.’ Sadie snatched the vase from him, holding it high above her head. ‘Any offers over one guinea for this eighteenth-century Sèvres vase?’

Caroline stepped aside as the bidding began and the vase finally sold for double the asking price. ‘Well done, Sadie.’

Sadie smiled and turned back to the customers who were clamouring for her attention. Caroline began taking money and soon her apron pocket was filled with coins, including several golden guineas, and finally all the items she had chosen were sold. But the crowd refused to disperse and within minutes they were swarming over the house like a colony of worker ants. Caroline raced up the stairs after them and, having persuaded them to go back down, she positioned herself at the bottom of the staircase, refusing to allow anyone to pass. The mood seemed to change and frustrated buyers began to vent their anger on anyone who would listen. James was in tears and Max was threatening to punch the next person who accosted him. Sadie had her hands full in the dining room and Caroline was beginning to panic. She was about to rush outside and look for a constable to restore the peace when a group of tradesmen burst into the house, led by two burly officials.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ Caroline demanded. She managed to keep her voice steady even though her knees were trembling.

The tallest and broadest of the two leaders stepped forward. ‘This is an illegal sale.’

Caroline tossed her head. ‘I don’t know what you mean. This is private property, so kindly leave.’

He waved a sheet of paper under her nose. ‘This is a court order, miss, and these gentlemen are owed a great deal of money. I want to see Mr Manning.’

‘My father is dead.’ Caroline’s voice broke on a sob.

‘I can’t help that, miss. Who is in charge of the household?’

Caroline took a deep breath. She was not going to let these men witness her heartbreak. ‘I don’t know exactly. I suppose it’s me now that Mama has gone to Devonshire, but if that’s all you’re worried about I can settle some or maybe all of those debts from the sale of our things.’

‘An unauthorised sale, miss. My colleague and I are here to enforce the law.’

There was nothing Caroline could do other than stand back and watch the bailiffs at work. They stripped the house of everything that had any value, leaving nothing but an echoing shell as they carried out the last piece of furniture.

Caroline put her arms around James, who was openly weeping, and she gave him a hug. ‘It’s only furniture and stuff, Jimmy. We’re still together, that’s the most important thing.’

Max braced his shoulders, holding his head high. ‘I’ll get a job, Carrie. I’m fourteen and I’m strong. I can work in the docks or on the river like Grandpa used to, before he went to sea.’

Sadie patted him on the back. ‘Good boy, Max. It’s a setback but it’s not the end of the world. I know what it’s like to be poor, but I’m still here to tell the tale.’

‘That’s right,’ Caroline added, forcing a smile. ‘At least we’ve still got a roof over our heads. Let’s go to the kitchen and see if they’ve left the stew that Sadie made for us. I’m hungry, I don’t know about you boys.’ She gave James her hanky. ‘Chin up, Jimmy. We’ve got each other – that’s all that matters now.’

‘The kitchen maids have gone,’ Sadie said in a low voice as they made their way to the green baize door that led to the world below stairs. ‘I gave them enough money to pay for a couple of nights in temporary lodgings and food to keep them going while they look for work.’

‘I didn’t think the bailiffs would take the money we made in the sale, but they did.’

Sadie put her hand in her pocket and pulled out a silk purse. ‘Not all of it. I managed to hide this from them.’

Caroline took it from her and weighed it in her hand. ‘That’s nice and heavy. We’ll count it out when we’ve eaten.’

‘That’s if they’ve left us anything to eat.’ Sadie strode on, catching up with Max and James, who were about to open the baize door. ‘Come on, Carrie. Best foot forward.’

The kitchen, which was normally a bustling hive of activity, was deserted. The fire in the range had died down to a few feebly glowing embers but, to Caroline’s intense relief, the stew was untouched and still hot enough to make a comforting meal. There was bread in the crock and butter on the marble slab in the larder. The bailiffs had left the table and chairs, and the crockery and cutlery used by the servants was untouched, although the battery of copper pans had been taken, leaving only the old blackened saucepans and the kettle. They ate bowlfuls of stew, and mopped up the remainder with chunks of bread. Sadie managed to get the fire going again and they finished off with cups of tea, leaving Max and James to explore the house to see what else, if anything, the bailiffs had left.

‘I don’t think they can take our beds,’ Sadie said, spooning sugar into her tea.

Caroline nodded. ‘I hope not, but we don’t have much choice now. I don’t suppose we’ve got enough money to pay the rent.’ She produced the purse and tipped the contents onto the table. They began counting the coins, placing them in neat piles.

‘Four pounds ten and sevenpence ha’penny.’ Sadie shook her head. ‘That’s not nearly enough, and even if it were, we still have to eat.’

‘I suppose we could send the boys down to Devonshire,’ Caroline said thoughtfully, ‘but it would only be a temporary arrangement, and if Mama finds out what’s happened she’ll want to come home.’

‘She’s better off with Lady Alice, for the time being anyway.’ Sadie replaced the coins in the purse. ‘I suggest we pack up what’s left and move to Wapping tomorrow. I don’t see much point in remaining here, do you?’

Caroline sighed and shook her head. ‘We’ll be evicted soon anyway. I agree, we have to move on. I’ll tell the boys.’

‘Tell us what?’ Max rushed into the kitchen. ‘Never mind that now – look who I found wandering round the empty rooms!’

Caroline twisted round on her chair to see Laurence Bromley standing in the doorway, his hat clutched in his hand and an apologetic smile on his open features.

‘I’m sorry to interrupt, especially as you’ve obviously had a very bad day.’

Sadie rose to her feet. ‘Take a seat, Mr Bromley. The tea is still hot. Would you like a cup?’

‘Thank you. That would be nice.’ He pulled up a chair and sat down next to Caroline. ‘I hope I’m not intruding.’

‘Not at all. I dare say it will soon be public knowledge that the Manning family are all but bankrupt.’ Caroline turned her head away. She was close to tears, and sympathy was almost harder to take than the brutal treatment from the bailiffs and the triumphant taunts of the tradesmen.

‘I am truly sorry. If there’s anything I can do to help, please say so.’

‘It’s good to see you here, sir,’ Max said earnestly. ‘Have you found a new position?’

‘I still have to find a suitable premises so that I can tutor two or three boys to begin with.’

James clattered into the kitchen, puffing and panting. ‘I’ve run all the way from the top of the house,’ he said breathlessly. ‘It’s creepy up there without the servants, but they’ve left us our beds and I still have my cricket bat. I was afraid they’d take it.’

‘At least that’s something.’ Caroline had her emotions under control and she turned to Laurence with a faint smile. ‘It was good of you to come but, as you see, we can’t afford to hire you as the boys’ tutor.’

‘But we could offer you a room free from rent in return for tuition,’ Sadie said hastily. ‘We’re moving to my house in Wapping tomorrow. It’s large enough for all of us and, if you were agreeable, you could live rent free in return for tutoring the boys. You could take on more students, if you so wished. I’m sure there’s room.’

Laurence glanced from one to the other. ‘Don’t think I’m prying, but what would Mrs Manning have to say about such an arrangement? I take it that she is not at home.’

‘Mama went to the country for her health and it’s Sadie’s house. She has the final say.’ Caroline sent a warning glance to Sadie. She did not want to admit that her mother was so overcome with grief that she was finding it almost impossible to cope, very much like the poor Queen, who was still in deep mourning for her beloved Albert.

‘What do you say, Mr Bromley?’ Sadie asked eagerly.

He hesitated, stirring his tea and staring into the swirling liquid. ‘It’s a generous offer, but I’m not sure whether it would be proper for me to take lodgings in a house occupied by two single ladies.’

‘But we’d be there, too, sir.’ Max straddled a chair as if he were riding a pony. ‘It would be fun, Mr Bromley. Jimmy and I would be very good students.’

A smile replaced Laurence’s frown, making him look quite boyish. ‘I know you would. You were always top of the class, but …’

‘Why don’t you come with us tomorrow and take a look at the premises?’ Caroline suggested shyly. She could see that Sadie was keen on the arrangement and it would solve at least one of their problems, even if it created another. But perhaps things were different in Wapping – maybe the locals would turn a blind eye to the fact of their unconventional arrangement – and it would be only until Mama returned to London. If she were in residence then it would be perfectly respectable, but for now it seemed best to leave her in ignorance of the situation. The knowledge that she had lost all her worldly goods as well as her beloved husband might be too much for her to bear.

‘Please say yes, sir.’ James tugged at his tutor’s sleeve. ‘I’d like to live by the river and I really don’t want to go away to school. I miss my family and some of the other boys are very mean.’

Laurence patted his hand. ‘I know that, James. Bullying is despicable in all its forms, but still exists, despite our efforts to stamp it out.’

‘Does that mean you’re considering Aunt Sadie’s proposition, sir?’ Max asked urgently.

‘Let me consider your aunt’s generous offer overnight,’ Laurence said, smiling. ‘I could offer my services in helping with your move tomorrow, and that would give me a chance to view the accommodation and consider whether or not it’s suitable.’

‘Are you sure about this, Sadie?’ Caroline asked urgently as the door closed on Bromley. ‘We don’t know anything about this man.’

Sadie shrugged and a smile curved her lips. ‘I know all I need to know. The boys like him and I can’t see Essie sending Jimmy to a ragged school, and Max would have to find a job. What sort of future would either of the boys have in that case?’

‘But we’ll be talked about.’

‘Carrie, dear, the gossips will be chattering their heads off anyway. What choice do we have?’

‘He might refuse.’

‘He might. And what would we do then?’

Chapter Four

The Captain’s House on Black Lion Wharf was wedged between a warehouse and a ship’s chandler. The odd assortment of buildings, some of them on wooden stilts driven into the mud, seemed to have been thrown together in a random fashion, but even before they climbed the steps to the front door, Caroline had a feeling of coming home.

Sadie took a key from her reticule and unlocked the door. ‘I still feel bad about this, Carrie. The house should be yours.’

‘No, it shouldn’t. If Papa wanted you to have it then that’s how it must be. I’m not beaten yet, Sadie. I’ll get us out of this mess, if it’s the last thing I ever do.’ Caroline followed Sadie into the oak-panelled entrance hall. The musty smell made her wrinkle her nose and a cobweb hanging from the ceiling brushed against her cheek. The floor was thick with dried mud and the carapaces of dead cockroaches.

‘I hope the rest of the house is cleaner than this,’ Sadie said crossly.

‘Hurry up there.’ Max pushed in behind them. ‘Let us in, Carrie.’

James slipped past her. ‘It’s creepy, but I think I might like living here. I want a bedroom that overlooks the river so that I can watch the boats.’

‘I expect that can be arranged.’ Caroline moved on, opening doors and peering into the empty rooms. The front parlour looked as though it might be comfortable enough, but it needed a thorough clean, and the dining room was positively filthy. Someone must have owned at least one dog, judging by the muddy paw prints on the floorboards and the smell of damp fur that lingered in the air. The dining room was situated at the back of the house and there were steep steps down to the basement kitchen.

‘I spent many a happy hour in here,’ Sadie said, smiling. ‘The smell of baking filled the whole house.’

‘It stinks now.’ James held his nose. ‘I think something died in one of the cupboards.’

Max stuck his head round the door. ‘Mr Bromley wants to know where to put the luggage, Carrie.’

She turned with a start. ‘Of course. I’m coming, Max.’ She turned to Sadie. ‘I suppose we’d best start cleaning in here. It looks so dismal and it does smell awful.’

Max opened a cupboard and a cloud of flies erupted, buzzing angrily. ‘I don’t know what it is, but it’s something that’s gone off,’ he said, grimacing.

‘Throw it out for the seagulls.’ Sadie rolled up her sleeves. ‘James, go outside and see if there’s any coal in the yard, or anything we can use to get the fire going. We’ll need lots of hot water.’

Caroline hurried from the kitchen. The house was a disappointment and it did not live up to her fond childhood memories. It was probably damp, definitely dirty and the stench from the muddy foreshore at low tide was disgusting.

She found Laurence standing in the hall amid a pile of baggage. ‘Thank you, Mr Bromley. It was kind of you to help us.’

He shook his head. ‘I’m just sorry to see you in such a sorry plight, Miss Manning.’

‘We’ll be fine,’ Caroline said with more conviction than she was feeling. ‘When the old place is cleaned up, I’m sure it will be like home.’ She glanced out of the open door. ‘I hope the carter brings the kitchen table and chairs soon, or we’ll have nothing to sit on. The beds are on another wagon.’

He stared at her, frowning. ‘My present lodgings leave a lot to be desired and I need somewhere more permanent. I’d like to accept your offer, if you’ll have me.’

‘Do you really want to live in a place like this, Mr Bromley? If you wish to take students I think the families would expect better accommodation.’

He smiled and shrugged. ‘You obviously haven’t seen some of these so-called educational establishments, Miss Manning. I don’t include my old school in this, but some children are simply unwanted and sent away with little thought as to their material comforts. Many of them remain at these places even in the holidays.’

‘That’s awful.’

‘Awful but true. Might I take a look at the rooms upstairs?’

‘Certainly. In fact, we’ll go together. I haven’t had time to inspect them.’

Caroline led the way up a narrow staircase. The rooms were in desperate need of a good clean, but when they reached her old room in the attic Caroline could not resist going out on the balcony. It was close to midday and the heat was intense. The river itself seemed to seethe and boil with the turbulence created by large and small craft, and the constant tidal surge as it met the water flowing to the sea.

‘How wonderful.’ Caroline shielded her eyes against the bright sunlight. ‘I could stand here all day just watching the traffic on the river.’

‘I hope you don’t think I’m being impertinent,’ Laurence began cautiously, ‘but I know that the late Mr Manning owned a shipping company. Might I ask what happened?’

Caroline turned to face him. There was nothing to be gained by keeping the truth from him: it would be public knowledge soon. ‘When my father died he left nothing but debts. We have only one remaining vessel and that is so overdue that I’m beginning to fear the worst.’

‘I’m so sorry. This must be very painful for you.’

‘It is, of course, I loved my father very much, but it’s even harder for my mother. He was her whole life and she’s gone to the country to recover.’

‘But hopefully matters will improve when your ship returns to port?’

‘Yes, but it will be too late to save our home. All I can do is hope and pray that Uncle George returns safely.’

‘Once again, I am very sorry to hear about your problems, but I have enough money saved to pay rent, and it would make me feel better if you will accept it. If you will allow me the use of two rooms – one for myself, and the other for use as a schoolroom – I would still be prepared to tutor your brothers free of charge until you are in a position to pay for their education.’

‘But you need a proper income, Mr Bromley. Unless, of course, you are a gentleman of means.’

His laughter echoed round the empty attic. ‘If I were a man of independent means I would not have spent ten years trying to force knowledge into the heads of boys, most of whom were only interested in kicking a ball around a field or riding to hounds. I could advertise for day students and see how that goes, but that would be up to you and Miss Dixon.’

‘I can’t see any objection,’ Caroline said thoughtfully. ‘I’ll check with Sadie, but in the meantime we’d better try to make this old house habitable again.’ She was about to leave the room when she paused, sniffing the air. ‘I can smell tobacco smoke. I used to believe in ghosts, but I’m not so sure now. Maybe the carter has arrived, although I didn’t hear anyone call out.’ She descended the stairs as quickly as her long skirts would allow, and was met by Max in the entrance hall.

‘You’re in a hurry, Carrie,’ he said, chuckling. ‘Where’s the fire?’

‘I thought perhaps the carter was here.’

‘No, not yet. I’ve been looking out of the window and I’d have seen his van.’

‘It’s just that I thought I smelled pipe smoke.’

‘Maybe it was the captain’s ghost.’ Max nodded and winked. ‘Aunt Sadie told me about the old man who haunts the house. When you smell smoke he’s here and he’s happy, but if he doesn’t approve of what’s going on he goes round slamming doors and rattling windows.’

‘I know the story, but don’t tell Jimmy or he’ll be awake all night.’

‘Don’t worry about him – he’s tougher than you think. Anyway, Jim knows all about the captain. We’re planning to sit up all night and see if he materialises.’

‘Never mind that now. I need you to give a hand to clean this place up before our furniture arrives.’ Caroline reached for a broom that someone had left propped up against the wall and she thrust it into her brother’s hand. ‘You start sweeping and I’ll fetch a dustpan and brush. The floors need a good scrub but we’ll have to wait for Sadie to get the fire going so that we can heat some water.’

Max tossed the broom from one hand to the other. ‘I think I’d rather be at school than doing housework.’

‘I’ve got news for you, young man.’ Laurence descended the stairs with a purposeful look on his face. ‘You are at school and this is your first lesson.’ He took the broom from Max. ‘This is how you sweep a floor. I’ll make a start and you can take over.’

Caroline flashed him a grateful smile. ‘Thank you, Mr Bromley.’

He paused, leaning on the broom handle. ‘I think you could call me Laurence, as we’re going to be living in the same house.’

‘Really?’ Max looked from one to the other. ‘Are you really moving in with us, sir?’

Laurence nodded and resumed the task of sweeping up the debris left by the last tenants. ‘I am indeed, and we begin lessons as soon as we’ve got this place ship-shape.’

It took more than a few days to get the Captain’s House habitable, but everyone did their bit, even James, who was delegated to keep the fire going in the range. Despite his initial reluctance to take on such menial tasks, he made a good attempt at chopping kindling in the back yard, and kept the scuttle filled with coal. Sadie took over the kitchen with a determination to revive her culinary skills that was impressive, and soon the house was filled with the aroma of baking bread and savoury stews. When she was satisfied that the rooms were spotlessly clean Caroline spent her time making them as homelike as possible, but the money Sadie had saved from the sale in Finsbury Circus was dwindling away at an alarming rate. She scoured the second-hand shops and used what little money they had to purchase a sofa, even though it had seen better days. The upholstery was worn and threadbare and the horsehair stuffing protruded in places, but a couple of well-placed stitches soon put that right. She bought two armchairs in a similar state, but despite the sagging seats they were surprisingly comfortable. A rag rug added a touch of colour to the front parlour and a fly-spotted mirror hung over the mantelshelf made the room look slightly larger. Curtains had been left in all the rooms, mainly, she discovered, because they were lacy with moth holes, but they would have to do. Altogether, Caroline was satisfied that she could do no more.

Laurence’s rent money was used for the purchase of food, candles and coal, but by the end of the first week it was becoming even more apparent that they were in desperate need of an outside income. Despite the fact that Caroline checked every day, there was still no news of her uncle’s ship, and the office remained closed, but she refused to believe that anything untoward had happened to him or his vessel. The loss of her father had left a raw place in her heart, and, although she kept a cheerful face for her brothers’ sake, she was still very much in the first stages of grief.

The city simmered in the summer heat, but there was always a breeze this close to the river, and Caroline was beginning to understand why her parents loved the restless spirit of the Thames with its ever-changing moods and colours. In the evenings, when peace descended upon the house, Caroline often chose to sit on the balcony, enjoying the sunset. The scent of tobacco smoke wafted around her, but even though she had started to believe in him, she was not scared of the old captain, and she often spoke out loud, telling him how grateful she was for the shelter his house afforded them. She was certain that he understood, but it was a feeling rather than anything tangible. Even so, she was sure that he appreciated their efforts to take care of his old home. Whether he was real or imagined, she felt that he understood and sympathised with the recent tragedy in her family, and that gave her the courage to take each day as it came.

She spent more and more evenings in her favourite place, and at low tide she could see her brothers exploring the foreshore, searching for anything of value that had popped out of the thick black mud and might fetch a few pennies in the market. They looked for all the world like the other mudlarks who spent their waking hours searching for anything the ebb tide might have uncovered. There were scuffles when territories were breached, but Max and James had learned how to defend themselves in a hard school, and it was a relief to know that they could hold their own in the harsh outside world.

Sadie and Laurence seemed to be getting on very well – so well, in fact, that Caroline felt that she was witnessing a burgeoning romance. Her aunt and the schoolmaster were ideally suited, and nothing would make her happier than to see Sadie married with children of her own, but that thought only served to make Caroline feel lonely and the loss of her old life even more painful. She was no longer Miss Manning of Finsbury Circus, the daughter of a shipping magnate, with servants at her beck and call. She was, in reality, homeless and living on the charity of a woman who, although much loved, was not related to her by blood. As the days went by the uncertainty as to the fate of her uncle and his ship hung over the household in a black nimbus cloud. Money was tight and there was only one answer …

Caroline went downstairs and found Sadie and Laurence in the parlour, seated on either side of the empty grate.

‘I must find work.’ Caroline said with a determined set to her jaw.

Sadie put down her teacup. ‘What do you mean, Carrie?’

‘It’s quite simple. We are desperate for money and we can’t live off the rent that Laurence pays us.’

Laurence leaned forward in his chair. ‘I’ve put an advertisement in The Times, Caroline. I can take day boys, or even a couple of boarders. Sadie and I were discussing it before you joined us.’

‘But that won’t keep all of us, and you can’t be expected to pay us rent and teach my brothers for nothing.’

‘They’re bright boys,’ Laurence said, smiling. ‘I’m sure I could get both of them into Oxford or Cambridge.’

‘Even so, you can’t support all of us.’

Sadie’s smooth brow creased into a frown. ‘If we’re to become a school of sorts I would be happy to look after the pupils. Mrs Cooper’s teaching is coming back to me gradually and I’m getting the hang of that black-leaded beast of a range.’

‘But that leaves me with no place in this house,’ Caroline said sadly. ‘I was brought up to be a lady, even though my parents came from humble backgrounds, but I’m not like Cordelia Bearwood.’

A dry chuckle escaped Sadie’s lips. ‘I would hope not. Lovely as she is, Cordelia has been spoiled to death by her doting parents.’

‘Just wait and see what response I get from my advertisement,’ Laurence said softly. ‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to start my school, and, if I’m successful, I hope one day to have my own establishment.’

‘And you will, Laurence. I’m sure of it.’ Sadie’s pale blue eyes glowed with pride and a delicate flush coloured her cheeks.

Caroline stared at her aunt as if seeing her for the first time. The ever-practical, reliable friend of her childhood had been transformed into a radiant young woman. Was it possible to fall in love so quickly? Caroline could not answer that question, but it seemed to have happened before her eyes and she could only be glad that Sadie had at last found someone worthy of her.

‘I think I’ll go to my room and read for a while,’ Caroline said, yawning. ‘Do you mind seeing to the boys, Sadie?’

‘Of course not,’ Sadie said smiling happily. ‘If Laurence goes ahead with fee-paying boarders I’ll need the practice mothering small boys. I think it would be a wonderful thing to do.’

Laurence rose to his feet. ‘I wouldn’t do anything that you didn’t feel was right, Caroline.’

‘I think it’s a splendid idea. You two could manage it beautifully.’ She escaped from the room, but instead of going upstairs she let herself out through the front door and negotiated the steps down to the wharf.

Despite the noxious odours from the factory chimneys and the gasworks, it was a beautiful evening – the sort of warm, feathery dusk that seemed to wrap itself around a body like a silk shawl. The sun was a fiery golden ball plummeting below the horizon, leaving the sky streaked with blood-red and purple bruise-like clouds. The river boiled like molten copper and the smelly mud had a silvery sheen. It was a night for lovers, but that thought made her feel even lonelier than before.

A shriek from the foreshore made her turn with a start and, looking down from the wharf, she could see her brothers being attacked by a gang of ragged youths. She made for the nearest watermen’s stairs and raced down them, risking a fall, but her feet barely touched the slimy treads, and she landed on the shingle with a dull thud.

‘Stop that,’ she cried angrily. ‘Leave those boys alone, you bullies.’ More fearful for her brothers than for herself, she raced over the stones and broken spars, waving her fists at the youths, who turned to stare at her. But their surprised expressions were replaced by surly grins and the tallest of them advanced on Caroline with his ham-like fists raised.

‘Leave us be, lady. You’ll come off worst.’

Max took a running jump and landed on the boy’s back. ‘Run for it, Carrie.’

She stood her ground. ‘I will not. I’m not afraid of you big louts. Leave my brothers alone.’

James had his arms pinned behind his back and his captor was laughing wildly. ‘Shall I break his arms, Crusher?’

The tall youth shook his head. ‘Nah. Let’s have some fun with the toffs first. Let’s show ’em how us Wapping boys treat them as venture into these parts.’

‘Why don’t you take on someone your own size?’ A cultured voice rang out behind them, causing the gang to take several steps backwards as a tall figure emerged from the shadow of the wharf. ‘Let the boys go and if you touch the young lady you’ll have me to deal with.’

Caroline leaped forward to grab James by the hand, dragging him free from the boy who had momentarily released his grip.

The leader of the gang shook Max off as if he were an annoying insect, but his attitude changed subtly. ‘We was only larking around, guv.’

‘Get away from here before I thrash each one of you.’ The man grabbed Max by the collar and marched him across the muddy foreshore to join Caroline and James. ‘Are you hurt, young lady?’

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.’

Disappointed but still hopeful, Caroline left the room and almost bumped into Maria, who was hovering outside.

‘Well?’ she whispered. ‘When do you start?’

‘I have to wait in case there are others more suitable for the position.’

Maria’s lips trembled and her eyes filled with tears. ‘I was afraid of that. I don’t want a middle-aged widow bossing me about, or an ageing spinster who’s forgotten what it’s like to be young.’ Her voice rose an octave and she clamped her hand over her mouth. ‘I’m sorry. It’s not your problem, Miss Manley.’

‘I would love to help you, but it’s up to your grandmother. She wanted me to leave my address with your maid, so that I can be contacted should she decide to employ me.’

‘I don’t trust Gilroy. She sneaks to Grandmama behind my back. I know she does because I get punished for the slightest thing.’

‘Punished?’ Caroline stared at her in astonishment. ‘But you’re a grown woman, Maria Colville, not a child.’

‘You don’t understand,’ Maria said in a low voice. ‘I’ve brought disgrace on the family and Grandmama cannot forgive me.’ She took a deep breath, holding up her hand as Caroline was about to speak. ‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, but if you give me your address I’ll make sure that Grandmama has it to hand.’ She turned with a start at the sound of someone hammering on the front door. ‘That might be Phin. He’s the only one who can stand up to our grandmother.’ She raced across the marble-tiled floor to wrench the door open, leaving Gilroy coming to a halt, open-mouthed.

The tall well-dressed man who marched into the house looked startlingly familiar. He took off his top hat and handed it to Gilroy together with his gloves and cane.

‘Phin, I need your help.’ Maria grabbed him by the hand. ‘Please speak to Grandmama. Tell her that Miss Manley is the best person for the job.’

‘What is the matter, Maria? Why the panic?’

Caroline did not recognise the tall stranger by his looks, although he was undoubtedly handsome in a cold classical way, with fair hair waved back from a high forehead, straight features and a firm chin, but his voice was unforgettable. He was the man who had intervened when the mudlarks were attacking her brothers on the foreshore.

‘Miss Manley has answered Grandmama’s advertisement in the newspaper, Phin. She’s supplied a good reference but Grandmama is waiting to see if anyone else applies for the position.’

Caroline stood very still, saying nothing and hoping he would not remember her, but he was staring at her with a puzzled frown.

‘That seems eminently sensible to me,’ he said slowly. ‘Do I know you, Miss Manley?’

Caroline shook her head. ‘No, sir.’

His slate-grey eyes rested on her for an uncomfortable heartbeat and then he turned away. ‘I don’t know why you’re making a fuss, Maria. Allow Grandmama to do her best for you.’

‘Oh, please, do something. I really like Miss Manley, and I don’t want just anybody watching over me all the time.’

‘Do you really think that Grandmama would take any notice of what I said, Maria?’

‘Yes, I do. Please, Phin. I’ll never ask you for anything again if you just go into the drawing room and put in a good word for Miss Manley.’

He shot a sideways glance at Caroline, hesitated and then nodded. ‘All right. I can see that I won’t get any peace until you get your own way.’ He patted Maria on the shoulder and strolled off in the direction of the drawing room.

‘You may go, Gilroy,’ Maria said, turning to the maid, who had been standing to attention, staring into space, but obviously taking in every word that had been said. ‘Miss Manley isn’t leaving just yet.’

Gilroy curtseyed briefly and hurried off.

‘This will be all round the servants’ quarters the moment she reaches the kitchen,’ Maria said, sighing. ‘They spy on me constantly, Miss Manley. Everything I do is reported to Grandmama in detail. Sometimes I feel like a prisoner in my own home.’

‘That’s very sad,’ Caroline said sympathetically. ‘Are you sure they aren’t simply taking care of you?’

‘Does your idea of taking care of someone include beatings, being locked in your room and fed on bread and water for days?’

Horrified, Caroline shook her head. ‘Certainly not.’

‘Then let’s hope that Phineas can persuade Grandmama to take you on.’

‘At least you have a caring brother,’ Caroline said, grasping at anything that might bring a smile to Maria’s sad face.

‘Phin? He’s not my brother, he’s my cousin.’

‘Oh, I see.’

‘No, I don’t think you do, Miss Manley. It’s not as simple as that.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘My birth caused a scandal that has never been forgotten. My mother did something for which I have to atone, even if it takes the rest of my life.’

‘Good heavens!’ Caroline gazed at her, wondering what Maria’s mother might have done that would lead to such a dire statement. ‘Surely not.’

Maria opened her mouth to answer but was prevented from speaking by the sound of footsteps. Caroline turned her head to see Phineas Colville advancing on them, and she experienced a sudden and violent feeling of dislike. The man was arrogant and authoritarian. Surely he could see how his young cousin was suffering, and yet he did nothing to help her. The Colville family had a lot to answer for, and whatever the outcome of her interview she could not and would not leave Maria to endure such treatment.

‘Rest easy, Maria,’ Phineas said calmly. ‘I’ve convinced Grandmama that it would be sensible to give Miss Manley a month’s trial, starting tomorrow.’ He headed for the graceful curving staircase, taking two steps at a time with the ease of an athlete.

‘Thank you, Phin.’ Maria clapped her hands, her eyes shining with delight. ‘I couldn’t be more pleased.’

‘I’d better go home and pack my things,’ Caroline said dazedly. She had not expected that Phineas would put in a good word for her, but then he had no idea of her true identity. She wondered if he would have acted so generously had he known that she was Jack Manning’s daughter.

‘I can’t wait for you to move in.’ Maria followed Caroline to the door. ‘You can’t imagine what this means to me. I’ve never had a close friend and I truly hope we will get on well together.’

Caroline turned to her with a wry smile. ‘I’m being paid to look after your best interests, Maria, but I would do so anyway,’ she added hastily, noting the sudden downturn of Maria’s mouth and the look of hurt in her eyes. ‘We will be like sisters, I promise you.’

‘Oh, I do hope so.’ Maria opened the front door. ‘You will come early, won’t you? Maybe we could go for a little walk. I’m not allowed out alone and I have to wait for Grandmama to take me in the barouche.’

‘I’m sure that could be arranged.’ Acting on impulse, Caroline leaned over to brush Maria’s thin cheek with a kiss. ‘We’ll do well together, Maria. I’ll see you in the morning.’

Caroline walked away, but when she glanced over her shoulder she could see Maria standing in the doorway, waving a hanky like a child saying goodbye to a loved one. She raised her hand in acknowledgement and hurried on. It was a relief to know she had employment, but as she walked back to the Captain’s House Caroline wondered if she had done the right thing in accepting the first situation that had come along. Throwing her lot in with the family whose business practices had all but bankrupted the Mannings might not be such a good idea after all. But Maria’s plight had touched her heart and she simply could not walk away and leave her in that beautiful but cold and austere setting. It seemed cruel and unjust to blame Maria for whatever it was that her mother had done to upset her family. Maria Colville was in desperate need of a champion, and now she had one.

Chapter Six

Caroline’s first day in Pier House was not what she might have wished. Maria gave her a warm welcome, but Mrs Colville was as frosty as ever and spent a good fifteen minutes going through all the things that Caroline was not allowed to do. Having laid down the law in no uncertain terms, she rang for Gilroy and Caroline was taken below stairs to the housekeeper’s office.

Mrs Bury was a little less friendly than her mistress, and Gilroy had been downright rude. Caroline stood in front of the housekeeper, hands folded demurely in front of her, but the sudden change in her status was becoming more obvious with every passing minute. A short while ago she had been Miss Caroline Manning, daughter of a wealthy ship-owner and had had servants running round after her – now she was neither part of the family nor was she a servant.

‘You will be responsible only to Mrs Colville, but I assume that she will have told you that already.’ Mrs Bury looked Caroline up and down with a sceptical twist to her thin lips. ‘I will introduce you to the servants, and then I will show you your room.’ She rose from behind her desk with a rustle of starched petticoats. ‘Follow me, Miss Manley.’

Caroline had rarely ventured below stairs when living in Finsbury Circus, but she was familiar with the general layout of pantries, still rooms, boot rooms and kitchens. Mrs Bury allowed her a cursory glance into each area, ending up in the kitchen where Cook was busy preparing luncheon. Through the open door Caroline could see a young skivvy, who was standing on an upturned wooden box in order to reach the sink as she struggled to cope with the never-ending supply of dirty pots and pans. The smell of washing soda and grease wafted out in damp steamy clouds, but Mrs Bury hurried Caroline out of the kitchen and led her down a long dark corridor to a cupboard containing uniforms. She brought out a faded grey poplin gown with white collar and cuffs.

‘Mrs Colville wants you to wear this, although in my experience ladies’ companions usually wear their own clothes. This was last worn by Miss Maria’s governess and it’s quite serviceable, although it might be a bit large for you.’

‘I would prefer to wear my own clothes,’ Caroline said firmly. ‘As you say, Mrs Bury, it’s not the custom for a lady’s companion to wear a uniform, let alone one that has seen better days. I will tell Mrs Colville so.’

A fleeting look of admiration crossed Mrs Bury’s face. ‘Very well, Miss Manley. I’m sure you would like to see your room. Gilroy has taken your luggage upstairs for you.’

Mrs Bury took the back stairs, which were steep and narrow, winding their way through the house in a discreet manner to enable the servants to do their work without disrupting the lives of the family. Caroline’s room was on the third floor at the side of the building overlooking the entrance to Wapping Basin. It was small and crowded with unmatched furniture, but the single bed looked reasonably comfortable and the room was spotlessly clean.

‘Luncheon is at noon,’ Mrs Bury said as she prepared to leave. ‘You will take your meals in the dining room, of course.’

The door closed on her, leaving Caroline to unpack her valise. She was just putting the last of her clothes in a deal chest of drawers when there was a knock on the door.

‘Come in.’ Caroline knew it was Maria even before she burst into the room.

‘I’m sorry they put you in here,’ Maria said breathlessly. ‘I wanted Mrs Bury to give you the room next to mine, but she said that you were to be put in here, and I suspect that was Grandmama’s doing.’

‘It’s perfectly fine,’ Caroline said, closing the top drawer. ‘I’m done now, so what would you like to do, Maria? Shall we go for a walk?’

Maria’s cheeks paled. ‘I can’t – I mean I have to ask Grandmama first.’

‘Well, go and ask her, or shall I do it for you?’

‘I have to wait until she sends for me. She doesn’t like it if I do otherwise.’

Caroline stared at her, hardly able to believe her ears. ‘But she’s your flesh and blood. She’s not the Queen of England.’

‘You’d think she was sometimes. I think Her Majesty would be easier to approach. Anyway, it’s half-past eleven and we have to be at table on the dot of midday.’

‘I suppose that’s another of your grandmother’s rules.’

‘Yes, of course. We have to be punctual for meals.’

‘Does your cousin obey the rules at all times?’

A slow smile curved Maria’s lips. ‘Phin does as he pleases because he’s a man, and he’s also the head of Colville Shipping. I expect you’ve heard of us.’

‘Oh, yes. Everyone has heard of Colville Shipping.’

‘Phin was quite young when Grandpapa passed away, leaving him in sole charge of the business,’ Maria said proudly.

‘Does your cousin live here?’

‘He stays sometimes to keep Grandmama happy, but he has a house in Princes Square.’ Maria lowered her voice in a conspiratorial whisper. ‘Grandmama doesn’t know about it.’

‘Doesn’t she wonder where he goes when he’s not here?’

‘He lets her think that he’s away on business, and she doesn’t think to question him. Phin is her darling and I’m just an embarrassment.’

Caroline patted the bed. ‘Sit down, Maria, and tell me why your grandmother treats you this way. I really need to know or I might not be able to help you.’

‘Well, it’s a sad story really. My mother was only fifteen when she fell in love with someone. I don’t know who he was, or why he couldn’t marry her. Maybe he was already married – I don’t know – but I was born out of wedlock and my mama was sent away. I’ve never met her, but I have a picture of her.’ Maria tugged at a gold chain hanging around her neck and drew out a gold locket, which she flicked open to reveal the portrait of a young girl.

‘That could be you,’ Caroline said slowly. ‘She is very pretty, Maria. Just like you.’

‘I’m not pretty. Grandmama always said I was behind the door when looks were given out. I’m very plain.’

‘Indeed you are not,’ Caroline said angrily. ‘Your grandmama is a cruel woman. She should have taken care of her daughter, and she should have been kind to you.’

‘But my birth disgraced the Colville family,’ Maria protested tearfully. ‘My mother was only sixteen when I was born, and I’m living proof of her wickedness.’

‘Nonsense. It’s not wicked to give love freely, even if it is ill-advised. Where was the father in all this? Why didn’t he stand up to Mrs Colville and spirit your mother away and marry her?’

‘I’ll probably never discover the truth. I wish I could meet my mother and get to know her, but that’s impossible.’

‘Have you told your cousin Phineas how you feel?’

‘Phin is quite sympathetic, but he told me that I should forget about her.’

‘And you can’t do that.’

‘No, of course not.’ Maria reached out to grasp Caroline’s hands. ‘I knew that you would understand. My dearest wish is to find my mother, but there’s no chance of that when I am never allowed to go anywhere unaccompanied.’

‘And you have no idea where she is?’ Caroline gave Maria’s fingers a gentle squeeze and withdrew her hands. ‘She might be living abroad.’

‘That’s true.’ Maria’s eyes filled with tears. ‘I’m never going to find her, am I?’

‘Don’t say that. There must be a way. After all, she’ll still be a relatively young woman. She must be somewhere, and I’ll do everything I can to help you.’ Caroline jumped to her feet at the sound of a bell clanging somewhere in the depths of the house. ‘What was that?’

‘That’s the first bell for luncheon. We have five minutes to tidy ourselves and go down to the dining room.’

Caroline stifled a chuckle. ‘A five-minute bell – that’s ridiculous. This isn’t the army.’

‘I wouldn’t know about that, but Grandmama is very fussy about punctuality. There is always a bell five minutes before each meal, and that means there’s no excuse to be late.’

‘I see. I’ll try to remember that.’ Caroline glanced at her reflection in the dressing-table mirror. ‘Am I presentable enough to grace the dining table, Maria?’

‘It’s no laughing matter. Grandmama takes it very seriously.’ Maria rose from the bed and peered in the mirror, patting her already immaculate dark hair into place.

‘So what happens if you are late?’

‘No food,’ she said tersely. ‘I get sent to my room and I have to remain there until the bell for the next meal. We’d better hurry.’

The midday meal was eaten in silence and, to Caroline’s intense relief, it was over quickly. Mrs Colville favoured small helpings of plain food, which left Caroline feeling almost as hungry as when she had taken her seat at the vast dining table. Maria sat with her head bowed and picked at her meal, earning a stern rebuke from her grandmother, and a sympathetic smile from Caroline.

‘Don’t encourage her, Miss Manley.’ Mrs Colville rose from her seat. ‘Maria will sit there until she has finished her meal. Good food is not to be wasted.’

Caroline had eaten the tasteless sago pudding in an attempt to stave off pangs of hunger, but it was obvious that Maria was struggling. Caroline was about to protest, but the steely look in Mrs Colville’s eye was enough to convince her that she would only make matters worse.

‘I am retiring to the drawing room, Maria,’ Mrs Colville said coldly. ‘Gilroy will clear the table in five minutes and I expect her to find a clean plate.’ She swept out of the dining room, leaving the maid standing guard by the door.

‘I can’t eat it,’ Maria whispered. ‘I’ll be sick if I do.’

‘It’s not so bad.’ Caroline hoped she sounded more convincing than she was feeling. ‘Sprinkle some sugar on it.’

Maria shook her head. ‘Nanny Robbins used to say that sago pudding was good for me and that there were thousands of starving children in London who would be grateful for such a treat, but she kept a jar of raspberry jam hidden in one of the cupboards and she allowed me to have some to make the dish more palatable.’

Caroline glanced at Gilroy’s set expression and she had a feeling that anything they said would be repeated to Mrs Colville. She snatched Maria’s spoon and shovelled the rest of the dessert into her mouth, gulping it down with difficulty as it was cold and glutinous. She stood up, waving the empty plate in front of Gilroy. ‘It’s all gone. You can tell tales to your mistress if you like, but I’m taking Miss Maria out for a walk in the sunshine.’

Maria rose hastily from the table. ‘I’ll fetch my bonnet and parasol.’ She scuttled past Gilroy as if afraid that the affronted servant might try to prevent her leaving.

Caroline fixed the maid with a hard stare as she left the room. Whatever happened, she would not allow the servants to bully Maria – it was bad enough having to stand by and watch the poor girl being browbeaten by someone who was supposed to love and care for her.

Minutes later they were walking beneath the trees on the pier head.

‘I feel quite guilty,’ Maria said shyly. ‘I should have asked Grandmama’s permission.’

‘Nonsense. You’re not a prisoner and we’re only going for a short walk on a sunny afternoon. I told Gilroy to inform Mrs Colville where we were going, that should be quite sufficient. You aren’t a child, Maria.’

‘I know, but Grandmama is accustomed to ruling my life.’

‘Then it’s high time she learned that you are grown up, and in a year or so you’ll reach your majority.’

‘She plans to have me married off before then.’

Caroline came to a halt beneath a London plane tree. ‘Has she selected your future husband?’

‘I don’t know, but I hope not.’

‘You’ll have to stand firm. She can’t force you to marry someone you neither know nor like.’

‘You don’t know her as I do, Caroline. Grandmama has a will of iron.’

‘I can be very stubborn, too. I’m on your side now, Maria. We’ll stand up to her together.’

Maria came to a sudden halt as they emerged on to Wapping High Street. ‘Look, there’s our office building. Shall we pay Phin a surprise visit? He’ll be astounded to see me out and about.’

‘I don’t see why not.’ Caroline had not intended to visit Colville Shipping Company so soon, but now the opportunity had arisen she did not intend to turn it down. What could be more innocent than Miss Maria Colville paying a social call on her cousin, who just happened to be the head of the company?

The first person Caroline saw when she entered the building was none other than Sidney Masters. Bold as brass, he was seated behind the reception desk, but his bland smile froze when he recognised her and he stumbled to his feet.

‘Miss er …’

‘Miss Manley,’ Caroline said hastily. ‘I know you, Mr Masters. You used to work for the Mannings.’

He licked his lips, giving her an owl-like stare. ‘Yes, Miss Man—’

‘Manley,’ Caroline said firmly. ‘I am Miss Manley, Miss Colville’s companion, and she would like to see Mr Colville.’

Masters swallowed convulsively. His face was a picture of consternation and confusion. ‘Miss Manley,’ he repeated dully. ‘But, I thought …’

Caroline moved closer, leaning over the desk. ‘Does Mr Colville know that you accepted money from Parkinson that he’d taken without permission from his employer?’ she said in a low voice. ‘I think he might be very interested to learn the facts.’

‘No, miss. It were Parkinson who opened the safe, not me. Don’t say anything, please. I can’t afford to lose this job.’

‘Just keep what you know to yourself and I will return the compliment. Please inform Mr Colville that we’re here.’

‘Yes, Miss Manley.’ Masters stood up and backed away as if in the presence of royalty. Caroline turned to Maria, who was gazing round the remarkable entrance hall with its carved oak panelling hung with paintings of sailing ships, screw steamers and the latest ship of the line. ‘This is all very impressive. You must be proud of your cousin for building up the business to what it is today.’

Maria gave her a curious look. ‘You sound as if you know something about shipping.’

‘I grew up close to the river, and I love ships,’ Caroline said casually. ‘We’re a maritime nation, after all.’

‘I wish I knew more about the business. Not that I’d be much use because I am quite a dunce when it comes to learning, but I’m sure there must be some way in which I could contribute.’

‘I’m sure there is.’ Caroline turned to see Phineas Colville striding across the polished floor. ‘Your cousin is coming.’

Maria spun round and her pretty face lit up with pleasure as she hurried forward, holding out her hands. ‘Phin. Thank you for seeing us. I was afraid you might be too busy.’

His taut expression lightened just a little. ‘What are you doing here, Maria? This is no place for you.’ He glanced at Caroline. ‘I suppose this is your doing, Miss Manley. If you intend to interfere in my family’s affairs I should warn you that it won’t meet with my grandmother’s approval.’

‘Phin! That’s not fair.’ Maria’s voice shook with emotion. ‘I wanted to see the office. It had nothing to do with Caroline.’

‘But I imagine it was Miss Manley who brought you out in the heat of the day. You know you have a delicate constitution, Maria. I’m surprised that Grandmama allowed it.’

‘She didn’t,’ Maria said with an impish smile. ‘We escaped, Phin. And I’m not delicate. Grandmama keeps me hidden away because she’s ashamed of me.’

Phineas shot a wary look in Masters’ direction, but the clerk had his head bent over a pile of correspondence. ‘Come into the office, Maria. This is not the place to discuss family matters.’ He turned to Caroline, a frown creasing his brow. ‘You’d better come, too.’

Caroline bit back a sharp retort. Phineas Colville was just as arrogant and disagreeable as she had thought at their first meeting, but she might learn something to her advantage. If there was the slightest chance of saving even a small part of Manning and Chapman she would be prepared to do anything within reason. She followed them across the vast, cathedral-like hall to an office that was twice as big as the front parlour in the Captain’s House, and furnished with an eye to quality as well as comfort and utility.

‘This is a lovely office,’ Maria said enthusiastically. ‘Why have I never been here before, Phin?’

A wry smile curved his lips. ‘I didn’t know you were interested in the business, and I doubt if Grandmama would approve of a young woman venturing into a man’s world.’

Stung by his patronising attitude, Caroline glared at him. ‘I heard that there was a very able lady running your main competitor, Mr Colville.’

‘So able that the business is now bankrupt and closed down.’

‘I believe that was caused by the sudden demise of her husband, sir.’

He turned to give her a searching look. ‘You seem to know a lot about the shipping industry, Miss Manley.’

‘I’ve lived close to the river all my life.’

‘But this sort of business is not the usual subject of conversation in polite circles, or so I’ve been led to believe.’

‘Then my upbringing must have been lacking in social graces, sir. My father believed that girls should be educated to the same standard as boys, and that women have much to contribute outside the home as well as within its four walls.’

‘A radical view, certainly.’ He turned away, concentrating his attention on Maria. ‘Now you’ve seen my office, what do you think? Perhaps I should have some embroidered cushions or a few vases of flowers.’

‘That would make it much more comfortable,’ Maria said, smiling. ‘It is a very masculine room, Phin. Perhaps a couple of pictures on the wall would make it a little more cheerful.’

It was obvious to Caroline that Phineas was merely humouring his cousin and she suspected that he was laughing inwardly, although he maintained a straight face. She picked up a copy of Lloyd’s List and searched for the name of her uncle’s ship, the Esther Manning, but it was not amongst the expected arrivals. On the other hand there was no bad news, and that gave her cause for hope. What had befallen the vessel was anybody’s guess, but she felt a huge wave of relief and she could not wait to share it with Sadie and the boys. A sudden feeling of homesickness almost sucked the breath from her body, and she was beginning to regret her rash decision to accept the position at the Colvilles’ establishment. It had been taken for the best of reasons and the worst of reasons, and perhaps she should have given it more thought. Now she was embroiled in Maria’s troubles and they far exceeded her own. Even if she wanted to walk out on the Colville family she knew that she could not. Maria’s sad story had touched her heart, and she could not simply abandon her.

‘So where exactly does your interest in shipping lie, Miss Manley?’

Caroline looked up with a start to find Phineas watching her with a calculating expression on his classic features, as cold and impervious as those of a marble statue.

‘I suppose it’s the thought of being able to travel abroad that appeals to me,’ she said evasively. It was obvious that in his mind all women were scatterbrains, but that suited her purpose as it deflected attention from herself, leaving her free to observe him and the workings of his company.

His eyes narrowed and, for a moment, Caroline thought he was going to question her further, but he turned his attention to his cousin. ‘Well, you’ve seen me in my office. Does that satisfy your curiosity, Maria?’

‘A little,’ she said with a nervous giggle. ‘But I would like to see over one of your ships, Phin. If it isn’t too much trouble.’

‘That could be arranged, but I doubt if Grandmama would approve.’

‘Need she know?’ Caroline asked casually. ‘It sounds like a very interesting outing.’

‘An outing?’ Phin’s lips curved in a cynical smile. ‘I wouldn’t call it that, but maybe the reality of life at sea would dispel some of the romantic notions you young ladies harbour.’

‘Oh, Phin! You do say such cutting things,’ Maria said, sighing. ‘I would love to see over one of your ships, and I agree with Caroline. There is no reason to tell Grandmama anything that might upset her.’

‘Very well. I’ll arrange it for tomorrow afternoon, but I won’t go behind Grandmama’s back – she must be told. However, it just so happens that the Colville Star is in port and I intended to inspect her anyway. You may accompany me, if you wish.’

Maria clapped her hands. ‘I do, Phin. I can’t wait.’

‘What about you, Miss Manley?’ Phin asked silkily. ‘Does the prospect please you also?’

Caroline met his amused gaze with a steady look. ‘It will be interesting, but might I suggest that you broach the subject to Mrs Colville as you seem to be the only person who might be able to influence her?’

‘Yes, please do so,’ Maria added eagerly. ‘You know that you can wrap Grandmama around your little finger.’

What Phineas said to his grandmother remained a mystery, but his powers of persuasion had never been in doubt. After luncheon next day, suitably dressed for the occasion in cool cotton-print gowns, lace mittens and straw bonnets, Maria and Caroline were driven to the docks in the Colvilles’ landau. The Colville Star was similar in size to the Esther Manning, and Phineas introduced Maria and Caroline to the captain, who was a great deal younger than she had expected. She had met a few of her father’s seagoing officers, and most of the captains had been middle-aged men with years of experience in ship handling. But, as she studied his craggy, weathered features, Caroline realised this man, who could not be a day older than thirty, had seen more of the world than many people twice his age. The corners of his intensely blue eyes were crinkled, as if he had spent most of his life gazing out to sea. He was polite but careful in his dealings with Phineas, and for that she could not blame him. One step placed wrongly might mean instant dismissal to an ordinary member of staff, but Caroline had a feeling that this man was too valuable to dismiss on a whim. Phineas was treating him with more respect than she had previously noted when he was speaking to his subordinates, while Maria seemed to have been struck dumb, and was gazing at the young captain wide-eyed with admiration.

Phineas glanced round the deck with a nod of approval. ‘Everything seems to be in excellent order, Captain Barnaby. I’ll have a word with you later, but perhaps you would be kind enough to show Miss Colville around. My cousin is eager to learn more about our business and this seems a good place to start.’

Captain Barnaby’s cheeks flushed beneath his tan and he cleared his throat. ‘Of course, sir.’ He glanced at Caroline, his sandy eyebrows raised in a mute question.

‘I will escort Miss Manley,’ Phineas said firmly. ‘She has also expressed an interest in the shipping industry and I am curious to learn her opinion.’

‘Aren’t you coming with us, Caroline?’ Maria asked anxiously.

‘Apparently not, but we’ll be close behind you.’

‘Indeed we will.’ Phineas proffered his arm to Caroline. ‘A quick tour of the ship will suffice, Captain. Lead on.’

‘Why did you do that?’ Caroline demanded when Maria and the captain were out of earshot. ‘You know how nervous she is.’

‘No harm will come to her on board a Colville ship. Captain Barnaby is a staid young fellow and certainly no ladies’ man. But the truth is I wanted a private word with you and I knew that this was my best chance.’

Caroline withdrew her hand from his arm. ‘Really? I can’t think what you might have to say to me that can’t be said in front of Maria.’

‘I want to know what your business is with my family, Miss Manley.’

‘I don’t know what you mean, sir.’

‘I think you do. We met once briefly on the foreshore. You were with two young boys, who were being threatened by a pack of mudlarks. What is your reason for obtaining such a menial position, when you are obviously well educated and used to better things in life? Who are you, Miss Manley?’

Chapter Seven

‘I am your cousin’s companion, Mr Colville.’

‘That’s no answer.’

Caroline met his steely gaze without blinking. Two could play at his game and she was in complete command of her emotions. Iced water seemed to run in her veins as she remembered how her father’s business had suffered due to this man’s cutthroat business tactics. ‘Mrs Colville was satisfied with my credentials, sir. I see no reason to go through them again with you.’

His eyebrows snapped together and his eyes narrowed, but to her surprise he threw back his head and laughed. ‘Touché, Miss Manley. You have me there, but I will discover the truth, sooner or later.’

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.