A Place Called Home (42 page)

‘It's so dreadful. He came to our house and forced his way in. Piers wasn't there and I had to deal with him on my own.'

‘You're not making any sense, Dora dear. Slow down and catch your breath. Who came to your house?'

‘Can't you guess?' Dora dabbed her streaming eyes with a scrap of lace that served as a handkerchief. ‘Linus, of course. He demanded to know where you were, and he kept on and on until finally I gave in and told him about the circus. He was so angry and wild-looking that I was terrified of him. Have I done the wrong thing? Please say you understand and you're not angry with me.'

Lucy shook her head. ‘Of course not. You weren't to blame in any way. I know what Linus is like, but he must be stopped. Mr Goldspink warned me that he might try to snatch the children, and I'm sure that must be his intention.'

‘But why? I don't understand.'

‘It's a bit complicated, Dora. But I have to stop him. How long ago did this happen?'

‘An hour ago, or maybe two – I'm not sure. I came here as soon as I'd found the right bonnet to go with my dress. I couldn't wear an ugly straw hat with this peach tussore gown; it simply wouldn't go and I'd have looked a positive fright.'

‘I must speak to Bram. Stay there and try to calm yourself, Dora. I'll ask Bedwin to bring you a glass of water.' Lucy ran from the room and was met in the doorway by Bram.

‘What's the matter?' he demanded, glancing over her shoulder at Dora, who was sobbing quietly into her hanky.

‘Linus forced her to tell him where the children were. He'll have gone to get them, Bram. I know that's what he'll do. He's a desperate man and we have to stop him.'

‘Calm yourself, sweetheart. I'll go right away.'

‘I'm coming too.'

‘All right. I'll go and look for a cab.'

‘My carriage is outside,' Dora said, stifling a sob. ‘I can take you to the station. Perhaps I ought to come too as it's my fault Linus knows where to find the children.'

‘Taking us to the station would be a big help, but there's no need for you to come with us. If you really want to do something for me you could send a message to Mr Goldspink and let him know what's happened.' Lucy knew there was little point in telling her solicitor, but it would give Dora something to do and hopefully make her feel less guilty.

‘What on earth is going on?' Christelle appeared in the doorway, blinking sleepily. ‘My room is directly above this one and I could hear raised voices and someone crying.' She stared at Dora. ‘I know the weeping person. Why is she here?'

‘Yes, Mama – I mean, Christelle – you've already met my friend Dora Northam. She came with some disturbing news.'

Dora looked up, her tears drying on her cheeks. ‘You're the famous singer Madame Arnaud,' she said shyly. ‘You didn't tell me that when you came to call, but I saw an article about you in the newspaper and an engraved portrait, which, if I may say so, didn't do you justice.'

Christelle smiled graciously. ‘Thank you, my dear. You're too kind.'

‘My parents have seen you perform,' Dora added, warming to the subject. ‘They're in Paris, you know. Papa has a position in the British Embassy and I'm thinking of joining them.'

‘You'll love it, my dear. Paris is heaven on earth and I've always wanted to see inside the embassy.'

‘I'm sure Papa could arrange it.'

‘Really, Dora? That would be delightful.'

Bram held the door open. ‘You were on your way to speak to your coachman, Dora.'

‘So I was. I am a silly scatterbrain sometimes.' Dora picked up her peach tussore skirts and hurried from the room with Bram close on her heels.

‘Charming girl,' Christelle said airily. ‘The embassy balls are legendary in Paris. An invitation to attend one would be a plume in my bonnet, let alone a feather in my cap.' She turned her attention to Lucy. ‘Where are you going in such a hurry?'

‘I haven't time to go into details, but Linus made Dora tell him where the children are. He's gone to look for them.'

‘They're his brats, aren't they?'

‘He didn't want anything to do with them when their mother died. He left them in my care because he thought he'd hooked a rich heiress, and now he wants them because he thinks he might be able to wriggle out of trouble using them as hostages. He has no feeling for them at all.'

‘That sounds like the Linus I know and hate. Give me a moment and I'll be ready to accompany you.' Christelle made for the door. ‘Don't go without me. I want to make sure that worm gets his just desserts.'

Lucy followed her into the hall. ‘Wouldn't it be better if you stayed here? You've got a show tonight.'

‘I've waited for years to see Linus humiliated and reduced to nothing. I'm not missing this for the world.' Christelle disappeared into the gloom at the top of the staircase, leaving Lucy staring after her.

It was late afternoon by the time they arrived at their destination. Christelle had entertained them on the train journey with accounts of her many successes on the stages of Europe and far beyond, but Lucy's attention had wandered. She could only hope that they would reach the circus before Linus descended upon the children, wielding his rights as their father.

They clambered down from the farm cart which had been the only means of transport available when they arrived at the station. The farmer had just dropped off several crates of chickens and the cart itself was less than clean. To Lucy's surprise Christelle had taken it all in her stride. She had bundled up her silk skirts and perched on the wooden seat, ignoring the fact that her dainty shoes were resting on a bed of straw and animal droppings.

Lucy left her mother with Bram as she hurried off in search of the children, but she was waylaid by one of the white-faced clowns, who asked if she was going to perform in the show that evening. She had hoped to avoid Monty, but he was standing outside the Starrs' caravan talking to Obadiah, and he spotted her before she had a chance to hurry past. ‘Lucy. You're back.' He walked towards her, beaming. ‘Have you come to stay this time?'

‘I'm looking for the children, Monty. I can't explain now, but I must find them.'

His smile faded. ‘And I thought you were eager to see me.'

‘This is serious. I must know they're safe.'

‘I saw them not ten minutes ago. Bertie was with the horses, as usual, and the two girls were helping Froniga fetch water from the stream.' He caught her by the arm as she was about to walk away. ‘What's the matter? Why are you so worried about them? Don't you trust us to take care of our own?'

She glanced down at his strong, suntanned fingers as they closed in a vice-like grip around her arm. ‘Let me go, please, Monty. I'm seriously worried about their safety, and it has nothing to do with the circus people.'

He loosened his hold and his handsome features relaxed. ‘They are perfectly all right, but you are obviously upset and I want to know why. Don't you think you owe me an explanation?'

‘It's very complicated.'

‘You obviously need my help.' He glanced over Lucy's shoulder. ‘I see Bram coming towards us with an elegant lady. You need to tell me everything.'

As briefly and succinctly as possible she did her best to satisfy his curiosity, ending as Bram managed to guide Christelle over the rutted, sun-baked field to her side. ‘So this is your mother, Lucy,' Monty said, bowing to Christelle. ‘I'm honoured to welcome the famous Madame Arnaud.'

She extended a gloved hand. ‘I'm surprised that my fame has spread this far.'

‘The good people of Essex have yet to be treated to your talents, Madame, but we have travelled Europe with our circus and I've had the privilege of seeing you perform.'

‘I'm flattered and delighted,' Christelle murmured coyly. ‘I really must consider doing a tour of my native land, especially now that I've been reunited with my beautiful daughter.'

‘You must allow me to show you round my small empire, Madame.'

‘Please do.' Christelle gave him a coquettish smile. ‘I've always wanted to see a real circus.' She sniffed the air. ‘We must be near the animals' cages. This is real indeed.'

Lucy started to edge away. ‘I must find the children. Monty assures me that they're safe and well but I need to make sure.' She turned to Bram. ‘Will you come with me? I'm afraid that Linus might show up suddenly and take us all by surprise.'

‘Of course I will.' Bram took her by the hand. ‘We'll leave this evening and take the children with us, Charter. You'll be glad to see the back of us, no doubt.'

‘Not at all. In fact I was going to suggest that you stayed to see the show. I'm sure I can find reasonably comfortable accommodation for Madame Arnaud, and you are both quite used to sleeping under canvas.'

‘That would be delightful,' Christelle said before anyone had a chance to speak. ‘I myself would find it highly diverting. I might even be persuaded to do a number.'

‘But you have a performance at Wilton's tonight,' Lucy said hastily. ‘Had you forgotten?'

‘No matter. We wouldn't be back in time anyway, and I'm sure they will manage without me.'

‘That's settled then,' Bram said firmly. ‘We'll find the children and make sure they stay with us.'

Lucy shot him a grateful smile. ‘Thank you,' she whispered as they walked away without giving Monty a chance to argue. ‘Mama has a new audience to charm and it will take her mind off Linus. The only trouble is that she has yet to meet Granny. I think there might be sparks flying when those two get together.'

‘Don't worry about that, sweetheart. Let's find those nippers and make sure we don't lose sight of them. The two older ladies can fight it out in private.'

Lucy tugged at his hand as they approached the area where the horses were being prepared for the evening show. ‘There's Bertie. You'd better tell him what's happened and I'll go and find the girls.'

She found them outside Froniga's tent preparing a meal under Eva's supervision. They shrieked with delight the moment they saw her and abandoned their culinary duties to race across the grass and hurl themselves at Lucy. ‘I've missed you,' Vicky said, hugging her. ‘But you're back now.'

‘I've missed you too.' Maggie's eyes filled with tears. ‘You won't leave us again, will you, Lucy?'

‘No I won't, and that's a promise.' Lucy could have cried too, but it was with relief on finding the children safe and oblivious to the danger they faced. ‘Now put me down and let me go and give Granny a hug.'

Eva walked slowly towards them. She was still a shadow of her former self, but there was a smile on her face and a spring in her step. ‘Welcome back, my duck.' She embraced Lucy and for a moment they clung together, united by blood and a love that had never died.

‘I have a surprise for you, Granny,' Lucy said when they were settled round the fire, drinking tea laced with a tot of Froniga's medicinal brandy, which she had produced to celebrate Lucy's return.

‘A surprise?' Eva and Froniga exchanged knowing glances.

‘My crystal ball tells me that there might be a wedding soon,' Froniga said, smiling.

Lucy knew she was blushing but she shook her head. ‘It's not that. I think your crystal ball must be fogged up or you might have foreseen her arrival.'

‘Don't mock my powers, young lady,' Froniga said, wagging a finger.

‘And don't keep us in suspense.' Eva leaned towards Maggie, patting her on the shoulder. ‘Be careful when you turn that bread. Those stones are red hot from the fire and you'll burn your fingers.'

‘Don't worry, Granny,' Vicky said calmly. ‘I'll keep an eye on her. Anyway, the bread is almost done and the stew is ready. I'm blooming starving.'

‘We'll eat in a minute.' Eva turned to Lucy. ‘Well, what is this surprise?'

Lucy scrambled to her feet. ‘I can see her coming. I was going to break it gently but she's beaten me to it.'

Eva shielded her eyes as she peered into the glow of the setting sun. Silhouetted against the fiery crimson, orange and purple-streaked sky, Christelle walked slowly towards them. She came to a halt, staring at her mother with raised eyebrows. ‘You look as though you've been in the wars, Ma.'

‘Christelle?' Eva struggled to her feet and they faced each other, neither moving, their expressions stony.

Lucy looked from one to the other. ‘Say something, please. Aren't you pleased to see each other?'

‘Well, you're a sight for sore eyes and no mistake,' Eva said, breaking the silence. She patted Christelle on the shoulder. ‘You look as though you done well for yourself, girl.'

‘Ma, you old fright, what's happened to you?' Christelle held her at arm's length, shaking her head. ‘I can see I'll have to take you in hand. Where did you get those awful clothes? You look like a rag-bag.'

‘Leave her alone,' Lucy said angrily. ‘Granny's suffered enough without you making it worse, Mama.'

Christelle shot her a sideways glance. ‘Don't call me that. I'm Christelle to you, young lady.' She tempered her words with a crooked smile. ‘Ma understands, don't you, old girl?'

‘I see that nothing's changed. You're still the same stubborn, wayward girl you always were, Christelle Pocket, but I still love you and that will never change. A mother's love is forever.'

Christelle stared at her for a moment and then, to Lucy's astonishment, her face seemed to crumble beneath the layer of powder and rouge. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she wrapped Eva in an embrace that swept her off her feet. ‘Ma, I'm sorry,' she sobbed. ‘I've been a bad daughter and an even worse mother.'

‘What's up with her?' Maggie demanded, staring at them in amazement. ‘Why is the painted lady crying?'