Farringdons fate, p.17
Farringdon's Fate, page 17
‘Please, if you would.’ Jane nodded, forcing another smile. How ridiculous to feel so dejected when the man hadn’t even known she was coming, she thought as they made their way back to the manor.
After thanking Louisa for her help, Jane located the trap by the stables and directed the driver to head for Combe. She’d been advised there was a lane leading from there to Salthaven and she needed to pay a visit to Mrs Somers en route.
Passing the lane to the quarry, she remembered Sam telling her it led right down to the sea and that he’d promised to show her one day. She had a sudden urge to ask the driver to turn left but realised she didn’t have time to take a detour now. However, she would remind Sam when next they met, she thought as they made their way down the steep path towards the village. Then, as if thinking about him had conjured him up, she saw his cart coming towards her. Talk of the devil, she thought, her heart soaring as she gave a wave. However, to her dismay he frowned in her direction then carried on his way.
Chapter 19
Hoping Sam might have pulled in further along, Jane peered over her shoulder, but all she could see was a rising cloud of dust as his cart continued climbing the hill. She couldn’t believe it. Having written asking to see her, why had he ignored her like that? How naive she’d been, hoping to surprise him, for clearly he’d changed his mind. Thank heavens he hadn’t been at home; at least she’d been spared the embarrassment of him having to explain. Well, she had more important things to worry about, she thought, trying to blot out the image of his twinkling hazel eyes and cheeky grin as they shared a joke.
The sudden jolting of the trap as it turned into Combe brought her sharply back to the present. They’d already passed the forge and the school house where the children would be learning their lessons, and were heading along the meandering lane where the colourful spring flowers peeped bravely from the hedgerows. The row of thatched cottages spread out before them, beyond which the church of St Winifred’s with its Norman square tower soared. Despite everything, she couldn’t help admiring the magnificent stone building which had been set on a terrace so that it couldn’t be seen by Viking raiders sailing along the coast all those years ago. Finally, they pulled to a halt outside Ida Somers’ tiny dwelling, a wispy plume of smoke drifting up from the crooked chimney.
‘I’ll only be a few moments,’ Jane told the driver as she climbed down. He nodded uninterestedly, but before she’d even reached the door, it burst open and the woman stood staring from her to the pony and trap beyond. Below her bonnet, which was trimmed with the pink ribbon Jane had given her, beady eyes burned bright with curiosity.
‘Well, yer a sight for sore eyes,’ she muttered. ‘Come into money, have yer?’
‘Hello, Mrs Somers, and no, not exactly,’ Jane laughed. ‘Although I have called to pay you for my board last month.’ She drew out a purse from her pocket and counted out some coins.
‘I’da can’t deny that’d come in useful,’ Mrs Somers said, gazing greedily at the money.
‘Then you must take it—’ Jane began, only for the woman to interrupt.
‘But I’da be a truthful soul so that would be wrong when Lady Louisa did call by and pay me herself.’
‘Oh, I didn’t know,’ Jane replied, amazed at the woman’s honesty when she had so little.
‘Being poor don’t make me a thief,’ the woman declared, as if she’d read Jane’s mind.
‘No, of course not,’ Jane replied hastily. ‘I’m glad you’re not out of pocket. I’ve brought you a little gift to thank you for having me,’ she added, handing over a small packet. The woman took it and tore eagerly at the wrapping.
‘Oh my,’ she gasped, holding up the square of satin fabric in the same colour as the ribbon. ‘Here, yer didn’t steal it from your employer, did yer?’ Her bird-like eyes bored into Jane.
‘No, it was mine to give to whomever I please.’
‘Well, that’s all right then cos I’da really enjoyed working with yer on them toiles so if yer need any more help yer knows where I am. Oh look, Winnie’s sent her familiar to find out what’s goin’ on.’ She grinned as Athame suddenly appeared and began rubbing herself against Jane’s legs. Wondering again at the strange ways of these people, she bent to stroke the cat only to find herself fixed with that luminous amber gaze that seemed to see right inside her.
‘It’ll be all round the village that yer’ve called by,’ said Ida.
‘I’d love to stay longer, but I’m afraid I have another appointment,’ Jane replied, unnerved by the animal. She’d heard of witches’ cats, of course, but always dismissed them as being the subject of old wives’ stories. There again, this one did seem to like her. ‘It’s been nice seeing you again, Mrs Somers.’
‘Don’t forget to call by if yer needs any more stitching done,’ the woman called after her.
Dear Mrs Somers, she really did think she’d helped make those toiles, Jane thought. Involuntarily, she glanced back along the lane but it was empty, and hardening her heart, she climbed back into the vehicle. She could have sworn Sam was genuine, but knowing little about the ways of men, she’d have to put this down to experience and be more wary in the future.
As instructed, the driver steered them past the rest of the cottages and out through the village on the other side. Seeing lanes leading off both to the left and right, Jane realised that Combe was bigger than she’d originally thought and that it was well protected by the bank of rolling fields and hills that screened the cottages from the sea. They began the slow climb up yet another steep gradient and it seemed to Jane that all the hamlets around these parts nestled in valleys with cots clinging precariously to the sheer slopes. Then, in an instant the temperature dropped and they were cloaked in a grey mist that swirled around the stunted tree trunks making them look like grinning ghosts as they passed by.
‘Always happens round here. Don’t ’e worry, sea fret will be gone soon as it came,’ the driver muttered as Jane shivered. Pulling her shawl tighter around her, Jane wished she had the benefit of Madame Pittier’s thick cape to keep her warm, but deeming it unseemly to wear the deceased woman’s things, she’d asked Millie to take them to St Catherine’s. Now, with the chill air almost freezing her to the bone, she couldn’t help thinking she’d been too rash.
However, just as the driver had said, no sooner had they gained the crest than the sky cleared and she caught the tang of salt on the breeze. Far below, bright blue waters topped with white foam shimmered in the fickle early spring sun. Despite her mood, she couldn’t help a flutter of excitement at her first glimpse of the sea and craned her neck for a better view.
‘Goin’ as quick as I can, miss,’ he grunted, mistaking her expression before turning his attention back to the lane ahead.
Realising she still had a way to go and needing to calm herself before her appointment, she decided to open the envelope Mr Farquharson had given her earlier that morning. Setting aside the official documentation listing the financial affairs of the business, she pulled out the letter left by Madame Pittier. Seeing the familiar neat script caused Jane’s breath to catch in her throat and it was with shaking hands that she unfolded the notepaper, yet she couldn’t help smiling when she caught a drift of rose fragrance.
Dearest Jane,
If you are reading this, then my time on earth has come to an end. As you will by now have come to realise, I am not one to show my personal feelings. However, I want you to know that I have always looked upon you as the daughter I never had. You have probably thought my behaviour towards you exacting over the years, but that is because you are a talented young woman and I wanted to help you to reach your potential. Having surpassed even my expectations, I can think of no one better to leave my business to. Yes Jane, you are now free to have that new sign written declaring Jane Haydon, Corsetière.
Be happy, my dear, and should you ever think of me, I hope it is with the same affection I feel for you.
Sincerely yours,
Rosetta Pittier
PS: As you well know, it is my view that rose pink best symbolises femininity, tenderness and romance. However, you are, of course, at liberty to choose which colour best defines the ethos of your own establishment. Choose wisely, for it is this that your business will become known for.
So, what Mr Farquharson had told her was true. Dear Madame, Jane thought, dashing away a tear. An exacting employer she may have been, but there was no denying her kindness and generosity in taking Jane under her wing when her mother had abandoned both her job as maid and her young child, fleeing into the night, never to be seen again.
Sitting back on the hard seat, she stared down over the heather-clad cliffs, not seeing the fishing boats bobbing on the waves or the seagulls wheeling noisily above. In her mind’s eye she saw a young girl running from room to room as she searched for her mother, Madame’s calm voice telling her everything would come right, she could stay to help clean and cook. Which Jane had. Yet how longingly she’d stared at the well-dressed ladies who called at the magasin to choose fabulous fabrics for their unmentionables. How she’d watched, fascinated, as the lengths of fabrics were turned into the most beautiful corsets and chemises. The day Madame had caught her in the workshop, a pattern set out on the silk as she pretended to cut out a corset. Fearing dismissal, Jane had stared at Madame aghast. Instead the woman had encouraged and trained her until finally, after years of practice, she’d deemed Jane proficient to conduct consultations, determine clients’ requirements and make up the garments. Of course, each one had to pass her employer’s stringent test and at the beginning, many times, she’d been sent back to unpick and perfect.
Now, not only had Jane completed her apprenticeship, she was the proprietor of her own business. She shook her head in wonderment, warmth flooding through her as she began making plans. Then she started, remembering Mr Farquharson had also warned her that, regrettably, after other bequests and expenses, there was no money left in the will to renew the lease on Lady Day. Well, having been given such a wonderful opportunity, she wasn’t about to fail at the first fence. What she needed was a strategy. Heedless of the passing scenery, she sat pondering. Would it be acceptable to ask Lady Connaught to pay in advance for her order, or at least furnish a deposit? Madame would be appalled at such an idea but did Jane have any choice if she wanted to continue trading?
‘Here we are, miss.’ As the driver’s voice penetrated her thoughts, Jane looked up to see they were in a tree-lined driveway leading towards a handsome brick house with bow windows and pillared porches. The grounds surrounded it like a huge patchwork cushion and Jane wondered how many men it took to keep everything looking so immaculate. They came to a halt by a flight of steps that led up to the main entrance and climbing down, Jane marvelled at the vista over the town and on towards the sea.
‘I’ll probably be about an hour,’ she told the driver as he handed her bag down.
‘That’s all right, miss, I’ll park the trap around the back, see to the pony and cadge a cuppa off Jim, the groom. Don’t worry, I’ll be waiting right here when you come out,’ he smiled, tipping his hand to his cloth cap.
As Jane climbed the steps, she saw the windows had stained glass and was reminded of the ones in Exeter Cathedral. It seemed presumptuous to be using the front door, yet Lady Connaught had said in her letter to come to the main entrance. Butterflies skittered in her stomach and she clutched her bag tighter, but she needn’t have worried for she was ushered into a bright hallway by an immaculately dressed butler who seemed to have been expecting her.
‘Lady Connaught is waiting in the Green Room, Miss Haydon,’ he said, leading the way across the beautiful black and white tiles before rapping discreetly on an elegant panelled door.
‘Miss Haydon, your ladyship,’ he said, showing Jane into an airy room with high ceilings and tall windows. The walls were painted in a subtle hue of green with emerald velvet drapes at the casement windows.
‘Thank you, Baines. We will take tea in half an hour,’ she told him. ‘Miss Haydon,’ Lady Connaught greeted her warmly. She was wearing a pink dress with pearl buttons from collar to gently flaring waist, which whilst a nod to the changing mode, was elegant and flattered her fair colouring. ‘I hate being formal so may I call you Jane?’
‘Of course, Lady Connaught. What a delightful room,’ she enthused, taking in the carved walnut armchairs upholstered in fabric that matched the drapes. They were arranged around the decorative hearth where a welcome fire was gently burning.
‘I was so sorry to read of Madame Pittier’s demise in the Post,’ the woman said softly. ‘She was a very accomplished lady and will be sorely missed.’
‘Yes.’ Jane nodded, feeling a lump rising in her throat. Still, at least Lady Connaught hadn’t made her feel as though she’d placed the obituary in some obscure newspaper.
‘Come, sit down and tell me how you have been, for I’m sure this must have come as a dreadful shock,’ she said, gesturing to the seat beside her. ‘I know Madame held you in great esteem.’
‘Thank you. It has been a difficult time,’ Jane admitted.
‘It is I who must thank you for coming to visit, especially when you must have much to do. Having returned from Bath and found myself invited to some rather important social engagements, I am urgently in need of new attire. As you well know, Madame always said that good grooming begins with good underpinning.’ The twinkle in her eye showed her affection for the woman as she repeated her maxim. ‘And as time is of the essence, I am hoping you can advise me today then give my commission precedence.’
‘Of course, Lady Connaught,’ Jane agreed, mentally running through the limited stock of fabric she had left in the workroom after completing the orders Madame had taken before her demise.
‘That is, I am assuming you intend carrying on running Madame’s establishment?’ Lady Connaught frowned as if the thought had just occurred to her.
‘To be honest, Lady Connaught, I am feeling more than a little shocked. You see, I learned only this morning that Madame has kindly and most generously endowed her emporium to me.’
‘Well, goodness. That is indeed most generous of her. Although, as I said before, I know she held you in great esteem.’
‘And I her. I shall, of course, endeavour to continue working as she taught me. Although, I can’t help but feel anxious. It is such a responsibility…’ She broke off, worried she shouldn’t be voicing her doubts to Lady Connaught.
‘It is indeed admirable that you wish to continue Madame’s emporium. It was her life’s work, after all. However, you are certainly talented with the needle and Madame would never have endowed her precious business to you if she had any doubts about your capabilities.’
‘Thank you. Madame taught me well,’ Jane replied, wondering if she dared mention that her new terms of trading would require a deposit being paid in advance.
‘This a marvellous opportunity for you, Jane, and I shall certainly be pleased to recommend your services,’ the woman enthused. ‘As you know, it was I who pointed Lady Farringdon in your direction and, of course, I have a wealth of society contacts.’
Jane stared at Lady Connaught in surprise. Although she’d always got on well with her when she’d visited the shop, that she was prepared to go to so much trouble to help her was astonishing. It was then she realised she couldn’t mislead this lovely woman, or anyone else for that matter. How stupid she’d been to think she could blithely carry on trading when, currently, the only money she had coming in was from Lady Farringdon and a few outstanding invoices. And that would only be sufficient to purchase a limited supply of fabric. There would still be nothing left to pay the rent.
As Jane opened her mouth to reply, there was a tap on the door and the butler appeared with a tray followed by a maid who was concentrating carefully on the tiered stand she was carrying.
‘Ah, afternoon tea.’ Lady Connaught smiled. ‘Yes, please do,’ she told the butler in answer to his unspoken question. Jane waited impatiently whilst he poured their refreshment and the little maid proffered tiny sandwiches then withdrew. Although the food looked delicious, her stomach was so knotted she couldn’t even think of eating and knew what she had to do.
‘I’m sorry, Lady Connaught, I’m afraid I cannot accept your commission,’ she murmured.
For a moment, Lady Connaught didn’t respond. Instead she gazed at Jane thoughtfully, took a sip of her tea then placed her cup and saucer on the low walnut table in front of them.
‘Having told me you intend carrying on Madame’s business I can only assume you do not wish me to continue as a client. May I ask why, Miss Haydon?’
Jane stared at Lady Connaught in dismay. Not only had she refused her commission, she’d insulted the woman as well. Madame Pittier would have been mortified. Picking up her bag, she rose to her feet.
‘Please don’t leave before answering my question. Have I offended you in some way?’
‘Oh no, quite the reverse. You’ve been so kind and I…’ Emotion getting the better of her, Jane blinked back her tears. ‘I want to carry on Madame’s business, it’s like a dream come true, only I can’t until I have sorted out the finances.’
Chapter 20
Oh heavens, now she’d committed the ultimate sin and mentioned the dreaded money word, Jane thought, waiting for Lady Connaught to recoil in disgust. Instead, the woman gave her a searching look then smiled gently.
‘I’m sure there is a solution to whatever is troubling you, so do please stay and have a cup of tea at least. If you don’t mind my saying you look as if you could do with something to eat and I promise you will regret not trying those sandwiches. Cook makes the best smoked salmon and cucumber you’ll ever have savoured. Now sit down and relax. I find things gain a better perspective when one has had some refreshment.’
Not wishing to offend the woman further, Jane sat back down and picked up her cup. If she hadn’t been so upset, she might have laughed at the woman’s assumption she’d never tasted better smoked salmon, for she’d never even seen that delicacy before.
