The Paradise Will Read online

  Piers, who had reasons of his own for encouraging discontent, wasted little time in seeking out Jonas Draper. As they stepped outside the labourer’s cottage to converse in private a few days later, Draper’s sullen gaze ran over his visitor with thinly veiled contempt but, using easy charm and sympathy, Piers gradually drew him into his confidence until Draper began to talk more freely.

  ‘It be a disgrace, I tell you!’ he muttered curtly. ‘The wages we get ain’t enough to feed one man, let alone a family! Lord knows something will come of it soon – there’s unrest brewing in the countryside right enough and if the gentry don’t take note of our complaints, I’m afeared bad things will ’appen. Food prices are risin’ and them damn newfangled threshing machines are takin’ men’s work away as well. How us workers are treated be a scandal.’

  ‘It seems a most unsatisfactory situation,’ agreed Piers in a smooth voice. ‘If I were running Hawkscote, I would make it my business to meet the labourers’ demands.’

  Draper looked at him with suspicion. ‘Ye would?’

  ‘Of course,’ said Piers, nodding. ‘After all, it is only a few miserly shillings a week to make the difference between a starving family and a well-fed one. No considerate employer should do less. Nor would I entertain purchasing one of those ridiculous machines when men can carry out the work more efficiently.’ He gave a nonchalant shrug and added, ‘However, I cannot speak for my cousin – Alyssa might already be contemplating it.’

  Draper’s expression turned even sourer. ‘Miss Paradise be storing up a bundle o’ trouble if she be considerin’ that!’ he spat angrily.

  ‘I will try to plead your case with my cousin. In my opinion, anything less than three shillings a week increase would be a nip-farthing gesture but’ – Piers threw out his hands in a gesture of helplessness – ‘it is not my decision.’

  Draper’s lip curled derisively. ‘If she be thinkin’ we’ll settle quietly, she’ll be mistaken. I like a mug of ale now and then and I can’t be buying that with nothing.’

  ‘I see. Well, if that is your view, perhaps you might consider carrying out certain – er – tasks on my behalf,’ said Piers with a smile. ‘Naturally, you would be paid for your efforts.’

  After a pause, Draper fixed his eyes on Piers’s face and gave him a penetrating look. ‘Go on – I’m listenin’.’

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  May gave way to a warm, sunny June and Alyssa, who was in her room one morning preparing for a shopping expedition, was uneasy.

  One reason for her current disquiet was Letty. Alyssa sensed her growing attraction to Piers and while she did not want to interfere, she did not wish to see her hurt. At present, her cousin’s gallantry was marked; he was attentive, courteous and less petulant than Alyssa had ever known, but despite these promising signs, she was not sanguine. Even if Piers’s congeniality was due to Letty’s influence, he might still view her as a passing fancy, someone to be forgotten immediately he left Dorset. None of his previous amours had lasted long and she could not discern if his affections were engaged this time. However, Alyssa believed Letty’s attachment was already sincere.

  And Letty was not her only concern. Two more dinners with Sir Giles had taken place and during the intervening days, he had visited Hawkscote several times to look at the accounts. Alyssa expected these afternoon meetings to be easier, with the secluded atmosphere of dinner being absent, but they were proving equally disturbing. Having him close by as they pored over figures together was a peculiarly gratifying kind of torture. More often than not, he rejected sitting on the opposite side of the desk, preferring to stand at her shoulder. His closeness and the thrill engendered by his arm brushing accidentally against her could not be ignored when the resulting sensation, which began in the pit of her stomach and rushed through her body, was new and astonishingly agreeable.

  Just as intoxicating was his warm breath on her cheek when he leant forward to indicate something of interest, mingled with the scent of fresh linen and soap. Every nerve ending tingled in response, her breathing came fast and shallow and her heart hammered against her ribs. Alyssa stubbornly refused to scrutinize why her traitorous body reacted this way and concentrated instead on preventing a tremor entering her voice when she answered his queries.

  Alyssa quickly saw how Sir Giles’s reputation for business acumen had been gained. Nothing escaped him; every item of expenditure was noted, his manner was direct but not offensive; his reasoning eminently logical; any suggestions practical and explained in terms with which Alyssa could find no fault. Her respect for his understanding of estate management grew, as did her appreciation of his general knowledge as their topics of debate extended wider. Sir Giles possessed a rapier-like intelligence combined with dry wit and Alyssa enjoyed the parry and thrust of their discussions. He also had a keen sense of humour and whenever they disagreed and a compromise was reached, it was accompanied by the deep chuckle Alyssa found attractive; she liked the way his smile reached his eyes.

  And those thrilling oases, when the simmering connection between them flared into life, continued. Alyssa felt adrift during these moments for it was then that control over her unbidden responses slipped away.

  She got up and pulling on her gloves impatiently, gave herself a mental shake: she spent too much time considering her neighbour. Hurrying downstairs, she found Letty in the hall and said, ‘I’m sorry! Are you ready to leave?’

  ‘Yes. I’m looking forward to seeing Dorchester – we only caught a glimpse when we first came.’

  ‘So am I. I wish to visit Hanging Judge Jeffries’s lodgings. Did you know he held the Bloody Assizes here, in 1685 and tried three hundred and twelve insurgents in only five days?’

  ‘Did he?’ replied Letty, shocked. ‘Gracious! His bloodthirsty reputation is well deserved then. Ah, here is the carriage.’

  They set off into the fine summer morning, the air heavy with the scent of May blossom.

  After her eyes had scanned the passing countryside appreciatively, Alyssa turned to Letty and asked, ‘What do you wish to purchase?’

  ‘Ribbon to trim my straw bonnet, and new accessories for my evening gown – that is, if we are to attend the Nashes’ party?’

  ‘I had to accept, although I do not look forward to it with enthusiasm.’

  ‘Then I cannot make do with my old evening slippers and gloves.’

  ‘Because they are too shabby?’

  ‘Exactly!’ said Letty, laughing. ‘I won’t give Miss Nash and her mother any excuse to be condescending, although Lord knows they don’t seem to need one.’

  ‘That is why I intend for us to have new gowns.’

  Letty’s eyes glowed with delight. ‘But how can we? Surely there is no time to order them now?’

  ‘No, but there is an excellent cloth warehouse in Dorchester. We shall purchase whatever is necessary there and, since we are both adept with the needle, make up our own. I procured some ball gown patterns in London and there is no reason why we cannot appear perfectly well attired through our own endeavours. What do you think?’

  ‘Oh, yes! I would enjoy making my gown – after all, we have made morning dresses before – but what of the cost?’

  ‘Mr Bartley confirmed I may draw upon the Hawkscote account for any immediate needs.’

  ‘Famous!’ cried Letty. ‘Then we shall put the local ladies to shame, including Miss Nash!’

  Alyssa chuckled. ‘I shall not complain if we do. And as Piers is a guest of the Westwoods, he will receive an invitation too.’ Throwing Letty an assessing glance, she added, ‘He has visited Hawkscote often, and seems to find as much pleasure in your company as in mine.’

  ‘Do you think so?’ pondered her companion. ‘I hardly know. Sometimes he is attentive and yet I’m not certain what he thinks of me on other occasions.’

  ‘Letty, I have no doubt Piers is fond of you, but be aware he can present a charming face whenever he wishes.’

  She blushed. ‘I’m not foolish enough to be enti
rely taken in by Mr Kilworth. I see his failings as clearly as his qualities.’

  ‘I’m glad, for I would not wish you to be.…’ Alyssa hesitated, before continuing, ‘Well, I trust Piers continues to mind his manners, that is all.’

  ‘At the moment he does. He can be sullen but I have detected no real malice in his character.’

  ‘Piers has been allowed his own way for far too long and is selfish as a result. He could, if he chose, forgo his self-indulgence and become the man he promises to be. However, he could decide to plunge deeper into debt and selfishness. I hope something will be the catalyst for him to take the former path but Piers is an unknown quantity. I’m afraid the general’s will angered him greatly.’

  ‘He is still annoyed, but I told him to stop behaving like a spoilt child.’

  Alyssa laughed. ‘Oh, Lord! I’m sure he didn’t appreciate that observation!’

  ‘No,’ admitted Letty, with a rueful smile, ‘but he seemed to find it amusing afterwards. And in spite of his flippant comments, he must be as concerned about the labourers as you are: he told me he had visited the workers to see their living conditions.’

  ‘No one has mentioned this to me,’ exclaimed Alyssa, astonished. ‘I saw the Fletchers twice last week, and again only yesterday – their young son Samuel is ill.’

  ‘Maybe he did not visit that particular family. What is wrong with the child?’

  ‘He has a fever. I took fruit and a few provisions and have asked Dr Plant from Frampton to call; the poor boy is very thin and weak to fight illness.’ Alyssa furrowed her brow. ‘Why would Piers take an interest?’

  ‘Couldn’t he simply be worried for their welfare?’

  ‘Perhaps, but I find it strange all the same. Do you know who he spoke to?’

  ‘Draper was one name mentioned during our conversation. Are you going to increase the wages?’ asked Letty.

  ‘Sir Giles promised me his opinion on Saturday and I shall make my final decision then. Whatever amount I give, it will not cover all their needs but it will at least be some improvement.’

  ‘How are your dinners with Sir Giles progressing, Lyssa? You seem more kindly disposed towards him recently.’

  ‘He is blunt but not in an uncivil way. Indeed, I think I prefer his candour to pointless chatter – oh, and he has a droll sense of humour.’ A tinge of pink rose to her cheeks and she added insouciantly, ‘I suppose I like him more now than when we met.’

  ‘Your dinners extend beyond the requisite hour.’

  ‘We find many subjects to discuss, Letty. However, we often disagree.’

  ‘How boring if you did not! Sir Giles must admire your enquiring mind and you no doubt provide welcome relief from his travails with Caroline Nash.’ Alyssa grimaced at mention of Miss Nash but offered no comment. ‘Have you heard from Charles?’ ventured Letty.

  ‘Another letter arrived yesterday. He has been to Almack’s with the Crawford-Clarkes – that is the family who are old acquaintances of his parents. He described the people of note he saw, as well as the dancing and refreshments. Charles, it seems, was enamoured of the place although I hear it is considered poor in many respects.’

  ‘I would like to visit London.’

  ‘Would you, love?’ answered Alyssa, smiling quizzically. ‘Then I think it is time to write to your aunt – after all, she did offer to present you when it was time for your official come-out and wherever possible, every young girl should have a Season in London.’

  Letty looked out of the carriage window and said imperatively, ‘Yes, please write to Aunt Sophia. Hawkscote will be yours by the autumn, and matters here may make a sojourn in London even more desirable.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Because you may be married.’

  ‘Married! To whom?’

  ‘Oh, to … Charles, perhaps?’ murmured Letty, with a queer smile.

  ‘No! I am quite decided upon that issue: I will not be marrying Charles and shall tell him so when he returns.’

  ‘I’m glad,’ said her companion, with a little nod of agreement. ‘He was not for you, although if you had chosen him, I would have tried to like him more. Even so, I still think it best for me to go to London then.’

  ‘Of course. I should have considered it before. You will have a wonderful time and are pretty enough to become all the rage. Now, I see we have arrived on the outskirts of town so where would you like to go first?’

  ‘The warehouse, I think.’

  Two hours later, laden with packages and parcels, Alyssa was glad she had reserved luncheon at The Antelope. They had enjoyed a delightful morning browsing over ribbons, muslins, spider gauze, crepe and sarsnet and purchasing new gloves, evening slippers and reticules from the shops in Dorchester. Having arranged for the larger items to be sent on to Hawkscote, they arrived at the inn and were ushered into a private parlour by the landlord. Alyssa sank gratefully on to a chair, removed her bonnet and gloves, declaring, ‘I had forgotten how tiring a morning spent shopping can be!’

  ‘So had I,’ admitted Letty, with a sigh. ‘I’m pleased with all my purchases but particularly the ivory sarsnet and tiny pearl buttons which are an excellent match. Your new swansdown muff and parasol are enchanting too.’

  ‘Shockingly expensive but irresistible,’ Alyssa replied, ‘How pleasant it is not to consider the expense too closely.’

  ‘No, although I noticed you still haggled with the manager for a reduction!’

  ‘Well, we did spend a significant amount there,’ replied Alyssa, smiling, ‘and old habits are hard to break.’

  The landlord returned bearing the luncheon Alyssa had ordered: a ham, some cold chicken, cheese, bread and fruit. He placed them on the table and then said, ‘Begging your pardon, but there is a gentleman outside who wishes you to be informed of his presence. It is Mr Kilworth, miss.’

  ‘Oh, Piers! Ask him to come in, if you please.’

  A moment later, Piers entered and greeted her as he stripped off his gloves, ‘Hello, Alyssa.’ Bowing in Letty’s direction, he added with a smile, ‘ ’Servant, Miss Ravenhill.’

  ‘How did you know we were here?’ asked Alyssa.

  ‘I was driving past when I saw you disappear inside, and I thought I’d see what had brought you into town.’ He threw his coat across a chair, straightened his cravat and sat down, flicking a speck of dust from the sleeve of his jacket. ‘Ah, but now I see the reason,’ he said, eyeing the pile of packages on the chair. ‘Good God, have you spent all the Hawkscote inheritance, Coz?’

  ‘No, Letty and I have purchased a few essentials,’ she replied, eyes twinkling.

  ‘Deuce take it, you’re plump in the pocket and I haven’t a sixpence to scratch with,’ he said, with a rueful smile. ‘Essentials, eh? By gad, I’d hate to see the result of shopping for luxuries! Can’t see the need myself; both of you look quite lovely today and don’t require embellishment.’

  ‘Piers, you are the most obvious toad-eater!’ said Alyssa, laughing.

  ‘You wound me, Coz!’ said Piers, feigning a hurt expression. ‘Miss Ravenhill, I appeal to you: would I utter a falsehood?’

  Letty gave a chuckle, ‘Yes, if you wanted to be offered lunch.’

  ‘How well you understand my motives,’ he said, grinning. ‘May I join you? This looks acceptable fare and if you are standing huff, Alyssa, it looks even more enticing.’

  They made a good lunch. Piers was at his most charming and erudite and, for the moment at least, seemed to know where the boundaries lay with regard to Letty. To Alyssa’s relief, she took his flattery in good part and did not seem to place too much store by it.

  Afterwards, as they sipped their coffee, Alyssa said, ‘Letty tells me you visited the labourers.’

  ‘I hope you don’t mind,’ said Piers, looking up quickly. ‘I spoke mainly to Draper.’

  ‘I don’t mind, but I’m surprised you felt the need to. Did you glean anything?’

  He shrugged. ‘Just a better idea of their circumstances. He tells m
e there is an undercurrent of discontent amongst agricultural labourers in the area generally, and it is spreading.’

  ‘I know,’ replied Alyssa, ‘it is one reason I am reviewing wages. Sir Giles has looked over the accounts and I am waiting for his opinion.’

  ‘Why didn’t you ask me? I would have assisted you!’

  ‘If I were buying horses or a carriage, Piers, I would have asked your advice – your knowledge on those subjects is second to none – but you know less than me about farming.’

  ‘You always had an independent streak, but you might welcome my help one day – Hawkscote is too much for you to manage alone.’

  ‘Your confidence is overwhelming,’ said Alyssa, drily. ‘I believe I am managing perfectly well thus far – and Uncle Tom did request I listen to Sir Giles’s advice, not yours.’

  ‘But managing the estate is difficult in these changing times—’ he began, aggrieved.

  ‘Perhaps you could help me?’ interpolated Letty. ‘Alyssa said I might have a horse for riding out and I wonder if you have heard of anything suitable.’

  He nodded, and smiled warmly. ‘I would be honoured, Miss Ravenhill. Indeed, there is a fellow locally with a sweet-going little mare for sale which is just the thing for you.’ Turning to Alyssa, he asked, ‘Are you willing to put up the necessary, Coz? Prime horseflesh doesn’t come cheap.’

  ‘As long as the price is not outlandish. There is a thoroughbred in the stables I can use, but Letty needs a suitable mount too, and I would not see her use jobbing horses.’

  ‘Lord, no! I’m sure Letty has light hands, and she needs a beautiful stepper with fine manners.’

  ‘I’m obliged to you for the compliment,’ remarked Letty, smiling.

  ‘Offering you a panegyric is no hardship, Miss Ravenhill,’ he said, with a grin and a wink.

  ‘We should go before you turn Letty’s head with your nonsense,’ said Alyssa, collecting her shawl. ‘We plan to visit Judge Jeffries’s lodgings before returning home.’