A Place Called Home (34 page)

‘Not that it's any of your business, but a friend paid my fare, and these clothes were bought for me by my grandfather. Sir William was your uncle, which makes us family, Linus, whether you like it or not.'

He crossed the floor in two angry strides, catching her good arm in a vicious grip. ‘You are my cousin's bastard and I refuse to acknowledge you as a member of the family.'

She faced him, anger wiping away fear. ‘Sir William made me his heir. You cheated me out of my inheritance, Linus Daubenay. Sixty guineas is a mere trifle compared to what you took from me.'

‘You can't or won't pay? Then I'll take my children away from this house of ill repute.'

‘This is a perfectly respectable lodging house.' She twisted free from him, backing towards the doorway. ‘I won't let you do this.'

‘They're my flesh and blood. I have every right to do as I please with them.' He pushed past her, wrenching the door open. ‘Hester,' he shouted. ‘Hester Gant, come here this instant.'

Lucy ran to him, catching him by the sleeve. ‘Don't do this, Linus. Please, I'm begging you, don't take the children.'

He brushed her off as if she were an irritating insect. ‘Shut up. You have no say in the matter.'

Hester rushed into the room, looking from one to the other with a worried frown. ‘Why all the shouting? What's the matter?'

‘Mind your own business, you old hag.' Linus towered over her, his thin lips quivering with rage. ‘Fetch the children. I'm taking them away from here.'

‘Don't do it,' Lucy cried passionately. ‘Tell them to run and hide.'

Linus swung his arm, catching her a savage blow on the side of her head. She stumbled and fell to the ground. Hester made a move towards her but Linus took her by the shoulders and propelled her out of the room. ‘Get them,' he said through clenched teeth. ‘If you refuse I'll call a constable. The law is on my side.'

Lucy struggled to her feet, clutching her injured arm. ‘You are so brave when it comes to mistreating women and children, aren't you, Linus? You wouldn't dare behave like this if Bram were here.'

‘I'll deal with him in my own way.'

‘I suppose you've gambled away Grandfather's money. Even if I had sixty guineas to give you it wouldn't go far. You probably lose more than that every night at the gaming tables.'

‘You can say what you like, but I'm taking the children and I'll send the bailiffs in to collect goods to the value of the money owed.' He glanced round at the shabby second-hand furniture. ‘Although I doubt if this rubbish will raise five shillings, let alone the amount you owe me. I'll have you out on the street before the end of the week.'

‘Papa?'

The sound of Vicky's tremulous voice from the doorway made Lucy bite back an angry retort and she slipped past Linus to put her arms around the frightened child. ‘It's all right, poppet.'

‘Why was Papa shouting at you?' Vicky asked anxiously. ‘What's going on, Lucy?'

‘Don't ask stupid questions.' Linus stared at her with cold indifference. ‘I'm taking you home with me, child. Go and fetch your brother and sister.'

‘Maggie wouldn't come upstairs,' Vicky whispered, clutching Lucy's hand. ‘And Bertie hasn't come home from work yet.'

‘Work? My son is labouring to keep you in style?'

‘No, Linus,' Lucy said coldly. ‘Bertie is doing an honest day's work and bringing home a wage to help support his family. It's the way most people exist.'

Ignoring this barb Linus turned to glare at Vicky. ‘Fetch your sister and bring her to me. I'm taking you to my home in Albemarle Street. I've had to sack most of the servants so you'll be very useful. Fetch her now.' His voice rose to a roar and Vicky fled from the room.

‘You're a cold-hearted bully.' Lucy spat the words at him. ‘I've never hated anyone in my life, but I loathe you.'

‘The feeling is mutual. You're a thorn in my flesh; a bug to be crushed beneath my boot. I haven't done with you yet, Lucy Pocket.'

‘I don't care what you do to me, but if you've got a shred of human kindness you'll leave the children here where they're safe and happy.'

‘I'll wait for the boy to return and then we're leaving. Think yourself lucky that I don't call a constable and have you arrested for abducting my children.'

‘They won't believe your lies.'

‘Will they not?' He leaned over so that his face was close to hers. ‘I'm still a person of some note and you're a nobody.'

‘Say what you like but don't do this, Linus.'

Taking her by the shoulders he forced her down onto the nearest chair. ‘Stay there and don't move. ‘I'll tell Hester to let you out after we've gone.' He left the room and she heard the key turn in the lock.

Rising shakily to her feet she ran to the door and rattled the handle, calling for help, even though she knew it was useless. Linus would take the children and she was powerless to stop him. She leaned against the wooden panels, fighting back tears. Then the silence was broken by shouts and screams. She pounded on the door with her fist. ‘What's happening? Let me out!'

The key grated in the lock and the door burst open. Hester shoved the girls into the room, handing the key to Lucy. Lock yourself in,' she said brusquely.

Lucy caught sight of Bedwin and Pearl struggling with Linus, and she thrust the key into Vicky's small hand. ‘Lock the door and don't open it until I say so.' Consumed with anger she rushed into the hall, snatching an umbrella from the stand and bringing it down on Linus's back with all the force she could muster.

He turned on her with a howl of rage and would have struck her down if Pearl and Bedwin had not grabbed him from behind. With a roar like an angry bull Linus shook them off and seized Lucy by the throat. She dropped the umbrella, raising her good arm in an attempt to fend him off, but his fingers closed around her neck making it impossible to breathe. She was sinking into unconsciousness when she was released so suddenly that she fell to her knees.

‘Are you all right, love?' Hester's voice seemed far away.

‘Y-yes, I think so.'

Hester helped her to her feet and as air filled her lungs Lucy's world began to right itself. She focused her eyes with difficulty and was amazed to see Linus being frogmarched across the hall by two of her lodgers, Cyril and Gilbert. Bedwin was pale and obviously shaken but he hurried to open the front door, standing aside as Linus was pitched out onto the street.

‘Good riddance,' Pearl shouted. ‘Come here again and you'll get more of the same.'

Lucy hurried to her side in time to see Linus as he picked himself up, scowling and shaking his fist. ‘You'll get what you deserve, Lucy Pocket.'

‘The children stay with me, Linus. You're not a fit parent.'

‘I'll have the law on you, you bitch.'

‘And I'll report you for attacking me in my own home. I've got plenty of witnesses.' She slammed the door.

‘That got rid of him,' Gilbert said, rubbing his hands together. ‘I don't know who the chap is but I enjoyed throwing him out.'

‘Me too.' Cyril's cheeks were flushed with excitement as he ran his hand through his curly locks, making them stand on end even more than usual. ‘I wish I'd punched him on the nose and drawn his cork.'

In spite of everything this made Lucy laugh. ‘Cyril Aitken, that's not a very Christian thing to say.'

‘No, miss, but it's true. I couldn't stand by and watch. He might have killed you if we hadn't stepped in.'

Gilbert slapped him on the back. ‘I'm proud of you, boy.' He saluted Bedwin. ‘And you, sir, are a man to be reckoned with. I'd like to buy you a pint if you feel inclined to accompany me to the pub this evening.'

‘What about me, cully?' Pearl asked with a coquettish smile. ‘I enjoy good company and a drop of tiddley.'

‘Of course, Miss Pearl. It would be my pleasure.'

The sound of shrieks coming from the parlour made Lucy hurry to the door. ‘Open up, Vicky. He's gone. You're safe now.'

Hester groaned softly. ‘Not for long. I know Linus only too well. He'll not let this rest, Lucy.'

The door opened and the girls rushed out, throwing themselves into Lucy's arms. ‘Why is Pa being so mean?' Maggie's bottom lip trembled and her eyes filled with tears. ‘Why did he hurt Lucy?'

‘Pa is a devil.' Vicky choked on a sob. ‘You always said so, Hester, and sometimes Ma agreed with you.'

‘Has he got horns?' Maggie's eyes brightened. ‘And a tail?'

Lucy gave her a hug. ‘Of course not. He doesn't know how lucky he is to have two such lovely daughters.'

‘And Bertie too,' Maggie added solemnly. ‘He didn't see Bertie today.'

Hester took her by the hand. ‘Just as well, if you ask me. Come downstairs; it's time for your tea. I think we've had enough excitement for one day.'

Gilbert cleared his throat. ‘You was a hero, Mr Bedwin. The offer of a drink still stands.'

Bedwin straightened his tie. ‘Thank you, Mr Harker. I'm not a drinking man, but I used to enjoy a glass of Madeira occasionally.'

‘We aren't all killjoys,' Pearl said, pouting.

‘I think we should get a bottle of that stuff,' Cyril said, puffing out his chest. ‘We could have a glass after supper tonight.'

‘You're too young, my lad.' Gilbert headed for the stairs. ‘I'm going to my room, but I'll be down in time to eat, Miss Gant. The food you prepare is nectar for the gods.'

Hester blushed and giggled. ‘Oh, Mr Harker, you do talk nonsense sometimes.'

‘I think he has a soft spot for you, miss,' Cyril said, grinning. ‘But you do cook lovely meals. I never had nothing like it in the orphanage. I live like a king compared to how it was before I come here.'

Lucy patted him on the shoulder. ‘I'm glad you're happy with us, Cyril.'

‘It wasn't true what the gent said, was it?' His smile faded. ‘About throwing us all out on the street?'

‘No, I hope not. I'll do my best to see it doesn't happen. This is my home as well as yours.'

‘Ta, miss. That means a lot to me.'

‘Never mind the chitchat, Cyril,' Hester said with mock severity. ‘Go upstairs and wash some of that dirt off your face and hands.'

He grinned at her and blew her a kiss as he bounded up the stairs, taking two at a time. Hester shooed the girls towards the stairs leading down to the kitchen. ‘Come along, Mr Bedwin. I'll make a fresh brew and add a drop or two of brandy to your cup. You look as though you need it.'

‘Thank you, Mrs Gant. It would be most welcome.'

Pearl sighed heavily. ‘And I thought we might have a jolly time at the pub. I'll have to hope that Carlos is in the Black Horse when I finish at the vicarage.' She reached for her bonnet and put it on. ‘I'm off then to cook the vicar's supper. He's a real gent, and if I play my cards right I think he'll ask me to live in as his housekeeper.' She nudged Lucy in the ribs. ‘Can you imagine it? Me, Pearl Sykes, going respectable and living with a holy man.'

‘Of course I can,' Lucy said, smiling. ‘You'd brighten anyone's life, and he'd be lucky to have you.'

Pearl's face flushed bright pink and she giggled like a girl. ‘Oh, you are a one, Lucy Pocket.' She opened the front door and left with a cheerful wave.

Lucy watched her walk away with a sigh of relief. It was good to see the old Pearl emerging from the shell of the drug-addicted woman they had found in Limehouse. That battle had been won but now she had a new fight on her hands. She knew Linus well enough to believe he meant what he said.

Her fears were confirmed later that evening when a police sergeant from the station further along Leman Street called at the house. ‘You're accused of the abduction of three minors, Miss Pocket, but the person in question is prepared to drop the charges if the children are returned to their rightful home by noon tomorrow.'

SHATTERED BY THE
news and yet unsurprised, Lucy tried not to panic. She had expected Linus to retaliate but she had not thought it would happen so quickly. After supper when the children had gone to bed Lucy, Hester and Bedwin sat round the kitchen table. ‘He knows I can't raise the money in such a short time,' Lucy said with a sigh. ‘And the law is on his side.'

Bedwin cleared his throat, a sure sign that he was about to say something momentous. ‘Mr Northam is a wealthy gentleman, Miss Lucy. It was said in the servants' hall that you and he would marry.'

‘That was a long time ago. I can't ask him for money.'

‘You went shopping with his sister,' Hester said gently. ‘She seems to be a wealthy young lady. Wouldn't she help you?'

‘Dora spends her allowance the moment she gets it. Linus will bankrupt me if I can't repay him. He'll take this house and sell it to pay off his gambling debts and he'll go on and on until he's lost everything.'

Bedwin nodded wisely. ‘It's like a disease. I've seen it happen before, Miss Lucy. I was with a gentleman many years ago who went the same way. Put a bullet in his head and ended it all when he'd run through his fortune.'

Hester reached for the brandy bottle and took a nip. ‘I don't normally touch the stuff,' she said apologetically. ‘That man has driven me to drink. What will we do?'

Bedwin took the bottle from her and poured a generous amount in his tea. ‘We need to fortify ourselves, Miss Gant. Let battle commence.' He raised his cup in a toast.

‘I have to take the children somewhere Linus won't find them.' Lucy rose to her feet and paced the floor. ‘I promised to return to the circus, but I can't work until my arm heals and I couldn't expect Froniga to feed the four of us.' She came to a halt, frowning thoughtfully. ‘I need a safe place to go, just for a few weeks until I can start earning again. Maybe I could find work for Bertie in the big top, but the girls are too young, and they really ought to be in school.'