The winter belle, p.9
The Winter Belle, page 9
‘Perhaps I have been a little remiss with the rent money,’ Isabella said wearily. ‘There are always so many bills to settle. I might have forgotten that it was the end of the quarter. It was your papa who made the financial arrangement with the landlord.’
‘And now we are going to be homeless.’ Kitty looked from one to the other. ‘Has anyone a suggestion that might help? Presumably the money has been spent elsewhere, Mama?’
‘I’m afraid so. It has been so difficult since your papa stopped sending money home. The bank will no longer allow me any credit.’ Isabella clasped her hands together. ‘I am so sorry, girls. The fault is mine. I should have been more careful.’
‘I don’t suppose it would do any good if we went to plead with the landlord,’ Kitty said thoughtfully. ‘Perhaps he will be more sympathetic if we tell him that Papa will come home when the doctors allow him to travel.’
‘I’ve tried. I went to see him a couple of weeks ago because I realised things would get complicated.’ Isabella rose to her feet, wringing her hands. ‘I thought I might persuade him to be lenient, and he did promise to think about it. Then today I received this letter.’
Kitty placed her arm around her mother’s shoulders. ‘We will think of something, Mama. Please don’t upset yourself. There must be a way out of this without losing our home.’
Chapter Seven
Kitty was in the kitchen helping Nellie to prepare dinner when Flinders walked into the room. He came to a halt, looking from one to the other.
‘I couldn’t find Carnaby or Charles. Did you find Amethyst?’
‘She returned on the arm of Sebastian Marriner.’ Kitty chopped an onion in half with unnecessary force and her eyes began to sting. She wiped them on the back of her hand. ‘It’s no wonder you couldn’t find the others – they had all been enjoying luncheon at Rules.’
Flinders frowned. ‘I’m sorry, Kitty. Mrs Harte must be very upset.’
‘You would be, too, sir,’ Nellie said abruptly, ‘if you was given less than a week’s notice to move out of the home you’ve lived in for years.’
‘I was talking about Amethyst’s behaviour. Have I missed something, Kitty?’ Flinders turned to her with a questioning look.
‘Mama received a letter from our landlord.’ Kitty forced herself to remain calm even though she was close to tears of anger and frustration. ‘Apparently Mama has been a little absent-minded when it came to paying the rent. She didn’t tell anyone and now it’s too late. The landlord is evicting us unless we can pay the three months’ overdue money and a deposit for the next quarter.’
‘That’s appalling. But perhaps you could speak to the landlord personally, Kitty. The man might listen if you explained the situation to him.’
She shook her head. ‘It would only make matters worse, Flinders. We don’t know when Papa will return or even if he will be able to work again. I can’t earn enough money with my paintings to pay the rent as well as everything else.’
‘I can help financially. I’m not rich, but I might be able to get my hands on a proportion of the money your family owes.’
‘You’d be throwing your money away, sir.’ Nellie wiped her floury hands on a cloth. ‘If the master can’t work for months the same thing will happen again and you’ll be gone abroad by that time.’
‘Nellie is right,’ Kitty said sadly. ‘It’s very kind of you, Flinders, and much appreciated, but it wouldn’t be fair on you. I don’t know what the answer is.’
‘Does Mrs Harte know about Amethyst’s involvement with Marriner?’
‘Not exactly. In fact, it’s worse than we feared.’ Kitty turned away to stir a pot bubbling on the range. ‘Amy had luncheon at Rules with Marriner, Carnaby, Charles Westbrook and goodness knows how many other gentlemen. Her reputation is already ruined.’
‘Good grief!’ Flinders laid a sympathetic hand on Kitty’s shoulder. ‘I am so sorry.’
‘We’ve kept the worst of Amy’s lapse from Mama so far.’ Kitty’s voice broke as she struggled to contain her emotions. ‘That would be too much for her to bear at the moment.’
‘Why don’t you go to the drawing room, Miss Kitty?’ Nellie said gently. ‘You’ve had enough for today. I’ll serve dinner in half an hour. Everything looks better with a full stomach.’ She nodded to Flinders. ‘Take her upstairs, sir. I can manage better without interruptions. At least I have my own kitchen to work in for the time being. Heaven knows where we’ll all be this time next week.’
‘That is not what I need to hear, thank you, Nellie,’ Kitty said with a wry smile. ‘I know you’re just as upset as the rest of us, but whatever happens we will need you to look after us, as you’ve always done. You are an important part of our family.’
Nellie wiped her eyes on her apron. ‘Get away with you, Miss Kitty. You’ll have me bawling me eyes out next.’
‘Come on, Kitty,’ Flinders said, taking her by the hand. ‘I think Nellie needs a moment to herself.’
‘Yes, you’re right. Will you come with me, Flinders? You always seem to know exactly what to say to Mama. I imagine she is still very distraught.’
‘Of course. I’ll do anything I can to help you and your family.’ Flinders opened the door. ‘Let’s hope that Amethyst hasn’t decided to add a complete confession to your mama’s other problems.’
The warmth of Flinders’ fingers wrapped around her cold hand was a source of unexpected comfort as Kitty went with him to the drawing room. However, as he ushered her into the room she could tell by the expressions on her mother and sisters’ faces that the truth about Amethyst’s escapade had been made known.
‘What were you thinking of, you silly girl?’ Isabella demanded tearfully. ‘I don’t mix much with society, but I’ve heard the gossip about Lord Marriner. He’s the last person with whom I would want you to associate.’
‘It was just luncheon at Rules, Mama. We were not alone.’ Amethyst’s lips trembled and tears glistened on the tips of her thick eyelashes.
Kitty held her breath, torn between the desire to silence her younger sister forcibly, which was an impossibility, or to try to make a joke of the whole abysmal tale.
‘You are a nincompoop, Amy,’ Ivory said bitterly. ‘And you are totally selfish. You only ever think of yourself.’
‘That’s not true,’ Amethyst protested angrily. ‘You can’t say things like that to me. After all, you were supposed to be keeping an eye on me. A fine chaperone you turned out to be.’
‘That’s enough, both of you.’ Kitty stepped in between them. ‘Mama is upset enough already without you squabbling like alley cats.’
‘I resent that.’ Ivory rose to her feet. ‘I’m sorry, Mama, but Amy is a spoilt brat. I am tired of being put in charge of her. She needs someone to take her in hand.’
A delighted smile wiped away Amethyst’s tears. ‘That’s exactly what Sebastian said. I think he is in love with me, Mama. If I married him, I would be Lady Marriner.’
Ivory curled her lip. ‘Don’t be silly. He has no intention of marrying a commoner. Marriner is toying with you, Amy. All those gentlemen at luncheon will have very different ideas other than marriage.’
Isabella buried her face in her hands and wept, but Kitty faced her sisters with a determined lift of her chin.
‘Stop it, Ivory. You, too, Amy. This is getting us nowhere and upsetting Mama into the bargain. You know what the answer to our problems will be, don’t you?’
Ivory sank back onto the sofa and Amethyst clasped her hands to her cheeks.
‘Yes, that’s right,’ Kitty said firmly. ‘We will all be packed off to Bridlebank to stay indefinitely with Grandmama Carstairs, and you know what that means.’ She paused for effect, looking from one to the other. ‘We will have days, weeks or even months of endless sermonising and lessons in etiquette, deportment and all the things that Grandmama holds dear. There will be afternoon teas with her boring lady friends and dreadful meals because she is too mean to pay for decent food and a good cook.’
Isabella raised her head, mopping her eyes with her hanky. ‘That’s not fair and it’s not true. Mama does what she believes is right. It’s sometimes difficult to live up to her standards, but she means it for the best. Anyway, as I see it, we have little or no alternative.’
‘There is one thing you might consider, Mama,’ Kitty said slowly. ‘I know it would be very hard for you, but we could pawn the family silver.’
‘Or sell it and be done with all that polishing and cleaning,’ Amethyst added triumphantly. ‘That would give me time to reel Sebastian in.’
Kitty pulled a face. ‘You make him sound like a fish.’
‘Lord Marriner has no intention of marrying you, Amy,’ Ivory said coldly. ‘He is entertaining himself at your expense, and your reputation is already in tatters.’
Isabella held up both hands. ‘Girls, please. My head is spinning. I can’t think if you argue all the time.’
Kitty went to sit beside her mother, placing her arm around her shoulders. ‘Amy has a point about the silver, Mama. It must be worth enough to pay the rent with some to spare.’
‘I came to that conclusion myself,’ Isabella said between sobs. ‘Nellie packed it up and I took it all to the pawnbroker this morning. He paid us a substantial sum, but not enough to cover the extra three months’ deposit.’
‘But if you have enough to repay the debt maybe the landlord will allow us more time.’ Kitty clasped her mother’s hand. ‘I know what it must have cost you to part with the items that meant so much to you.’
Flinders cleared his throat. ‘I can tell by your expression that there is more, Mrs Harte. Where is the money now?’
‘The pawnbroker told me that he knew how to double the money he had given me in exchange for the silverware.’ Isabella sighed. ‘His son is a bookmaker.’
Flinders gazed at her in horror. ‘Tell me you didn’t put the money on a horse, Mrs Harte?’
‘But it’s a sure winner, Flinders. All our troubles will be over if what Mr Dagg said is true.’
‘When is the race, Mama?’ Kitty demanded anxiously. ‘What is the name of the bookmaker? Maybe we can get the money back before it’s too late.’
‘Just tell me, Mrs Harte,’ Flinders said urgently. ‘I’ll go to the racetrack first thing in the morning.’
‘I think the race was this afternoon, Flinders.’ Isabella’s lips trembled and her eyes brimmed with fresh tears. ‘Mr Dagg promised to send word if our horse won, but I’m still waiting.’
Kitty clasped her hands to her breast, hardly daring to breathe. A sudden silence engulfed the room as each of them grasped the full meaning of Isabella’s words.
Ivory was the first to speak. ‘You mean the money is lost, Mama?’
‘No . . . yes. I don’t know. It can’t be, because Mr Dagg swore that it was impossible for this horse to lose. I’m sure he will contact me soon.’
‘I’m afraid you might have been swindled out of your money, Mrs Harte,’ Flinders said gently. ‘Where will I find this man Dagg? I’ll go there now and have it out with him.’
‘His shop is in Brewery Yard, but no one goes there after dark, Flinders.’ Isabella clutched his hand. ‘I’m sure he’ll send word. He promised that the animal would come first.’
Flinders patted her hand. ‘Don’t worry, Mrs Harte. I’ll get some sense out of this man, Dagg. If the horse didn’t win, I might be able to persuade him to recompense you in some way. I’ll go now and catch him before he shuts up shop.’
‘I’m coming with you, Flinders,’ Kitty said eagerly.
He shook his head. ‘It would be best if you stayed here and looked after your mother.’
‘Do you know where Brewery Yard is, Flinders?’ Kitty faced him with an obstinate toss of her head.
‘No, but I can ask for directions.’
‘And get yourself set upon by thieves who are simply looking for someone like you?’
‘I am used to taking care of myself, Kitty.’
‘Nevertheless, it would be quicker if I accompanied you. Ivory will take care of Mama.’ Kitty rose to her feet. ‘I am coming with you.’
The smell of boiling hops hung over Brewery Yard in a noxious cloud, mingling with the fog that had enveloped the city. Kitty had often had to visit old Dagg the pawnbroker and she knew exactly where to find his one-room shop where he lived and worked. The stench of urine and unwashed flesh wafted out as soon as she opened the door. Phineas Dagg was eating his supper from a chipped enamel bowl as he perched on the counter, cross-legged and hunched over his food.
‘Ain’t you never heard of knocking before you barge in on a man trying to enjoy a meal?’ he demanded crossly.
‘The light was on, mister,’ Flinders said evenly. ‘You need to lock the door if you’re not open for business.’
Dagg uncrossed his legs and slid to the floor, placing his bowl carefully on top of a ledger. ‘I’m always open for business, especially after dark, which is when most people like to slink in unseen. What have you got to pawn, or are you redeeming an item? Speak up, me soup is getting cold.’
‘I think you know why I’m here, Dagg,’ Flinders said calmly. ‘You cheated a trusting woman out of her money by allegedly placing a bet on a horse.’
‘Oh, that. Yes, such a shame: the horse is in the knacker’s yard as we speak. It fell at the first fence. Sadly, the lady lost her money.’
Flinders stepped forward and grabbed Dagg by the lapels. ‘You didn’t place the bet, did you? Return the money or I’ll send for a constable, and you can explain your actions to the magistrate.’
Kitty held her breath. Dagg was thin but wiry, and for a moment she thought he was going to put up a fight, but suddenly he relaxed and his lined faced creased into a grin.
‘Now then, guv, no need to get shirty. The lady knew the odds. I warned her that she might lose but she was desperate for the money.’
‘I’m not a violent man,’ Flinders said through gritted teeth, ‘but if you don’t pay up, I will make sure this place is closed down and all your assets seized. You will no doubt spend the next few years breaking up stones in the nearest prison yard.’
‘Now, now, don’t get nasty.’ Dagg held up his hands, cowering beneath Flinders’ icy gaze. ‘I’ve had a bad day, too. Look in me till. Take what’s there and be damned to you and her.’
Flinders nodded to Kitty. ‘Take a look and see if he’s telling the truth.’
Kitty moved behind the counter, wrinkling her nose as she stepped on a pile of filthy blankets and an equally dirty pillow. She unlocked the metal cash box. ‘It’s empty, Flinders.’
‘You see. I was telling the truth. I’m a poor man, guv. I didn’t cheat no one.’
Flinders released Dagg and stepped away. ‘You are a disgusting person who dupes the innocent and steals from those who cannot afford to lose money. I will report you to the authorities, Dagg.’ Flinders opened the door. ‘We’re leaving, Kitty.’
She emerged from behind the counter, catching the soup bowl with the tips of her fingers. ‘Oops, clumsy me,’ she said as she tipped what remained of the soup onto the floor.
‘That was me supper,’ Dagg wailed.
‘You’ll get used to being hungry when you’re in Newgate.’ Flinders held the door for Kitty, slamming it after her.
‘I’m so sorry,’ he said as they started off in the direction of Soho Square. ‘I will report that man to the authorities, but he’s probably been in that kind of trouble before and somehow wormed his way out of it.’
‘I don’t know what we can say to Mama.’ Kitty quickened her pace to keep up with him. ‘It looks as if we’ll have to go to Grandmama Carstairs after all. If she finds out that Mama pawned the silver and then lost the money, she will never allow any of us to forget it.’
‘Dagg has virtually stolen the silver from your mother, Kitty. After dinner I will go to the police station and put in a report. We might even get some of the items back if I can convince the law that Mrs Harte was cheated out of her belongings. I don’t suppose she is the first person to fall for Dagg’s tricks.’
Despite the stew that Nellie put on the dining table, the only person who seemed to have an appetite was Amethyst.
‘I thought you’d had luncheon at Rules,’ Ivory said, rolling her eyes as Amethyst finished her second helping.
‘There was barely time to eat,’ Amethyst said airily. ‘The conversation was so witty and charming that I completely forgot to sample all the delicacies.’
Isabella rose to her feet. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t manage even a mouthful. I can’t believe that I allowed myself to be tricked so easily. You’ll excuse me if I go to my room.’
‘I’ll come with you, Mama,’ Ivory said hastily. ‘If I remain at table I will say something I regret to my foolish sister.’
‘I didn’t put the money from the silver on an old nag,’ Amethyst protested.
Kitty silenced her with a frown. ‘Good night, Mama. Flinders is going to report Dagg to the police. Maybe they can retrieve some of the silver.’
Isabella hurried from the room with Ivory following her. Nellie passed them in the doorway. She shot a questioning look in Kitty’s direction.
‘What now?’
‘Mama is worn out with worry,’ Kitty said quietly. ‘She’s going to bed, although I doubt if she will sleep.’
Nellie busied herself clearing the table. ‘I’ll make her a camomile tisane, which will help her to relax a little. I’ve made a rice pudding for dessert, but I don’t suppose there are any takers.’
‘Don’t I count?’ Amethyst replaced her knife and fork on her empty plate. ‘I would like some, please, Nellie.’
‘The day you lose your appetite, Miss Amy, hell will freeze over.’ Nellie picked up a pile of crockery and marched out of the room.
‘Sebastian said he likes to see a woman with a good appetite,’ Amethyst said smugly. ‘He thinks I am perfect.’
Kitty pushed her chair back and stood up. ‘You will have to finish your meal on your own, Miss Perfect. I’m going to the police station with Flinders.’
