Stay with Me (11 page)

‘Oh, yes. “I'll ban him from smoking cigars in my house if he mentions one word about sickness or disease!'

Alistair laughed. ‘This will be good to see. I'll make sure I'm on hand when he throws an apoplectic fit!'

 

Two weeks into November James made a suggestion over breakfast. ‘Lena,' he said, looking up from his bacon and egg, ‘I am going to Hull next week and will be away four nights. Why not come with me? It will be a gentle easing back into society for you. No one in Hull will know you are still in mourning, so for those four days you could escape the weeds you are wearing. I know you have been longing to shed them.'

Lena met his gaze for a moment in disbelief, but when she saw the reassurance in his eyes she squealed with delight, sprang from her chair and rushed round the table to hug him.

‘You're the most considerate of brothers!' she cried. ‘Yes, yes, I'll come!'

‘Very well.' He laughed at her exuberance. ‘I'll send word and book rooms at the Cross Keys in the Market Place.'

‘What is the purpose of the visit?' she asked as she resumed her seat.

‘William Hustwick and Son is seeking a ship to transport timber from the Baltic as soon as it is ice-free next year.'

‘About the time you launch the
John Carnforth
?'

‘Yes. They have only one ship themselves and there is more timber than she can handle. I think it will be ideal for me to use the
John Carnforth
that way for her first voyage.
'

‘But wouldn't that mean she'd be sailing from Hull and manned by a Hull crew instead of Whitby men? I think Papa would have wanted her first crew to be from her home port.'

‘A valid comment, dear sister,' replied James amiably. ‘You have kept your mind sharp with your interest in the firm's affairs over the last few months. Father would be pleased by that.' Then he added as a gentle reminder, ‘Though, of course, all decisions about the
John Carnforth
are mine to make.'

‘The firm will always be important to me. After all, I was brought up with it.'

‘I'm glad to hear that. Well, you can play your part in this visit to Hull. I intend to get this contract because I can see it leading to more trade with and through the Hustwicks, and maybe even to greater things.'

Lena interrupted him with a shrewd, ‘And you want me to be charming when, as I suspect, you entertain Mr Hustwick and his son. I presume a son does indeed exist?'

‘Oh, yes, he does. I made it my business to find out. The son is an only child - Peter. Same age as me. His mother died two years ago. His father was much older and so the son has become more involved in the firm lately, although he seems to lack much drive or ambition, being content to let things proceed as they are, bringing in steady returns but nothing spectacular.'

‘Give me some idea of what this timber deal is about so that I can appear to be more than just a charming accessory? '

James explained what was involved and Lena's pertinent questions led him to comment, ‘It's a good job Alistair has no interest in his father's firm. If he had, you and he would make formidable rivals, albeit friendly ones.'

Lena did not comment but said, ‘I shall have to plan what to wear. Maybe I'd better buy something in Hull, and then the maids can't talk about what I have packed.'

‘Good idea,' James approved.

The succeeding days were full of excitement for Lena. The outside world beckoned once again. A trip to Hull, then Christmas, New Year and the launch of the
John Carnforth
!

 

With a bitter chill in the wind, James was solicitous for his sister's comfort and warmth in the coach when they left for Hull. They made a stop in Scarborough to take luncheon, and on arrival at the Cross Keys in Hull were pleased to see a crackling fire in the lounge and in their respective rooms. After James had checked on his coachman's accommodation and was satisfied that the horse and vehicle were in good hands, he informed Lena that they would dine at six, and tomorrow morning would go shopping for her new dresses so that she could look her best when they entertained William Hustwick and his son Peter to dinner at six-thirty.

Lena spent a thoroughly enjoyable time choosing three dresses. She felt as if she had been let out of a cage. James was pleased to see the bright, sparkling Lena of old emerge from her cocoon of mourning, and felt that their mother and father would be smiling down with approval too.

He was in the hotel lounge at six, relaxed and awaiting the arrival of his guests. At quarter-past a page-boy appeared in the open doorway followed by two men. The boy spoke quietly to them while indicating the gentleman they were to meet. Seeing them approaching, James sprang to his feet. ‘Mr Hustwick?' he enquired with a broad smile.

‘Aye,' replied the older man whose rotund figure indicated a liking for good food and drink. He stuck out a broad hand which held James's in a tight grip. ‘And no doubt tha's James Carnforth?'

‘The very same, sir.'

William Hustwick snorted as he eyed James. ‘Hmm. . . thought you'd be much older. I want no dealings with young whippersnappers. I only deal with the top man.'

‘I assure you, sir, I am the owner of Carnforth's. It came into my hands somewhat prematurely when my father was killed in the Tay Bridge disaster.'

‘Aye, well, I'm sorry for your loss.' Feeling uncomfortable with this line of discussion, Hustwick added quickly, ‘This is my son Peter. He's involved in my firm.'

James detected that Peter was embarrassed by his father's curt attitude towards him but quickly put him at his ease with a firm handshake and expressions of pleasure at their meeting. ‘Shall we sit down, gentlemen? And can I order you something to drink?'

William lowered his bulk into an easy chair but Peter chose an upright one while James indicated to a waiter that they required service.

‘A tankard of ale, thank you kindly,' said William.

‘Make that two,' James informed the waiter, and then cast a questioning look at Peter.

‘A glass of Madeira, please.'

James ordered two and then offered an explanation. ‘One is for my sister Pauline who will be joining us in a few minutes.'

Mr Hustwick smiled. ‘When you informed me you would be accompanied by your sister, I thought, Ah, Mr Carnforth is thinking he can soften us up with her feminine charm!'

James threw up his hands in mock horror. ‘Nothing was further from my mind! My sister is just coming out of mourning and I thought this a good opportunity for her to emerge into society once again.'

‘Very thoughtful of you.'

The line of conversation was broken by the arrival of the drinks and was never taken up again because, as the waiter left, Pauline made her entrance.

James stifled the gasp that came to his lips. Lena looked so elegant and held herself with a poise that demanded attention. She made a slight pause in the doorway, knowing that it would concentrate everyone's attention on her. She smiled as she approached them, the only sound in the whole room the faintest rustle from her silk dress. The bodice was cut tight across the breast and emphasised her slim waist. Jet buttons adorned the front from a high collar fastened at the neck. The skirt, embroidered with a delicate leaf motif and edged with matching lace, flared slightly to the toes of her shoes.

‘Gentlemen,' she said, smiling at them all although it was the younger Hustwick who commanded her attention.

William meanwhile had pushed himself to his feet. ‘Miss Carnforth,' he greeted her. ‘It is my pleasure to meet you.' He gave her a small bow.

‘And mine to meet you, Mr Hustwick. I am sure we will spend a pleasant evening together.' She turned to Peter who, wide-eyed, had also sprung from his chair. When his father had told him Mr Carnforth would be accompanied by his sister, he had expected to have to make conversation with a plain female of indeterminate age. Instead he was facing this beautiful young woman who exuded self-assurance. He felt embarrassed by his own thoughts.

‘Mr Hustwick.' Lena picked up her glass of Madeira, raised it and said, ‘To an enjoyable evening. Leading, I hope, to a business association of advantage to both our firms.'

The men picked up their drinks and raised them in answer to her toast. As they sat down Lena felt sure she had made a good impression on Peter Hustwick. If anyone had asked, she would have had to admit that he seemed likeable enough, if a bit subdued in the overbearing presence of his father. Judging from her first impressions of Mr Hustwick, even before they moved to the dining-room, she concluded he kept his son firmly under his thumb and that Peter had little autonomy in the running of the business, but at least he was involved in trading. He was handsome, too, and Lena concluded must have inherited his good looks from his mother. Maybe that was where he had gained his retiring personality too, but that was something that could be overcome, with determination, if he was so minded. Lena sensed his gaze upon her. The intensity of his blue eyes was only for her. This man was interested in her in a way she had never felt before, and yet she suspected he was not forthcoming enough to express it. He needed to be drawn out but whoever tried that would have to demolish the protective barrier cast around him. Was she up to the challenge?

As he escorted her into the dining-room she felt desire flash between them. Hers? His? On both sides? The moment was soon gone. They were shown to their table and presented with menus. Little passed between any of them as they made their choices and James ordered the wine. When they were settled, Mr Hustwick cleared his throat and looked directly at James.

‘Mr Carnforth, I suggest we don't spoil the evening by talking business. The excellent food and wine they serve here may addle our minds and we could both make decisions we would regret in the morning. I think we would be better discussing such matters tomorrow afternoon in my office. That will give us time to recover from what I know is going to be a splendid repast. I also suggest, on Peter's behalf because I know he won't, that he shows your charming sister something of Hull.'

Lena glanced at Peter then and saw his lips tighten with annoyance. Whether it was because he didn't want to escort her or because his father had taken charge and detailed him without any consideration for his son's feelings, she didn't know. She suspected it was the latter, or at least she hoped so.

‘Very well, Mr Hustwick. If that is what you prefer,' said James.

‘Indeed it is, young man. I always say, Never mix business with pleasure. And with such a charming young woman gracing us with her presence, how can we spoil that pleasure by talking business? You and I will deal with business affairs tomorrow.'

The evening settled down and was pleasant enough for Lena in spite of Mr Hustwick dominating the conversation as the wine loosened his tongue, not that he was objectionable but he obviously liked being the centre of attention. She was aware that Peter was embarrassed by this but he did nothing to try to change matters. It was not until they were leaving the dining-room that he managed to have a word with her on her own.

‘I must apologise for my father monopolising the conversation. '

‘Think nothing of it,' replied Lena. ‘In fact, I found much of what he said fascinating. I know he kept away from the specifics he and James will discuss tomorrow, but he did reveal much about general trading conditions and prospects in Hull.'

Peter gave a small smile as if to say, I know you are being polite, but his actual words turned to themselves. ‘If you don't wish to see Hull with me, I do understand. Father really shouldn't try to direct my whole life.'

Lena's smile matched the sincerity of her words. ‘But I look forward to tomorrow.'

Later, as she lay in bed with her thoughts dwelling on the prospects ahead, she began to wonder if her attraction to Peter was formed by sympathy for him or if her interest ran deeper? How could it though? She hardly knew him.

As she turned over to make herself more comfortable she realised that Alistair had not entered her thoughts at all until this moment. She had been swept back into the world to which she had been born, and it had been a heady experience. Excitement coursed through her veins. Was it possible that she could persuade her brother to allow her greater participation in the firm? He could not deny that she had done well tonight. Would he allow her to contribute further, or did he wish her nothing more than the role of doctor's wife? One for which she had seriously begun to question her suitability.

As she came gracefully down the stairs, Lena was aware of Peter Hustwick's admiring gaze on her. Glad to have thrown off her mourning clothes, she had revelled in taking particular care of her appearance today. The silken sheen of her blue-lavender grosgrain dress shimmered in the light. It hugged her breasts and came tight to the waist before flaring, with only the tiniest of bustles, to meet the tips of her shoes. A small black bonnet, tied under her chin with a bold ribbon of yellow, allowed her hair to frame her face. Over her left arm she carried a fawn-coloured cape. She made each step sway provocatively while her eyes took in her effect on the man who awaited her.

She thought Peter looked every inch elegant in his fitted knee-length frockcoat. Its grey collar and six buttons were matched by his necktie, suede gloves and the top hat he carried in his left hand. His grey-striped trousers brushed the top of his highly polished black shoes. In his right hand he held a silver-topped cane.

Lena saw pleasure in his smile as he stepped towards her, dexterously switched his cane to his left hand and helped her from the bottom step.