Chapter Sixteen
‘Knocks and footsteps round the house’
For the next twenty-four hours, Julia tortured herself with all the agony of her feelings towards Gerald and the scene she had witnessed at his home, as well as her encounter with Jeb Wyatt. Escorted by Jimmy, she again rode out, determined not to be put off riding because of Wyatt. In her mind she composed a letter to Gerald, breaking off their rides altogether. On her return, she wrote it out and sent Jimmy off to deliver it.
That done, she felt oddly at peace and once again in charge of her emotions. Obviously, Gerald had no real feelings of intent towards her, only a mild flirtation on a superficial level. His basic needs were obviously catered for by the lovely Lenore, and to her intense disgust, Julia felt the pangs of jealousy creeping around her heart. He could not be faithful to anyone, of that she was certain, but would instead flirt, charm or manipulate for his own desire and gratification.
She felt hot and furious just thinking about how foolish she had been to fall under his spell. Comparisons with Philip sprang into her mind, and she wondered at her own weakness in allowing Gerald to play upon her emotions to the exclusion of everything else.
She forced herself to concentrate on Saturday’s excursion at sea with Lieutenant Wareham and his party. A note had arrived from Reverend Talbot saying they would collect her at eight o’clock and drive to the appointed meeting place. One of the ship’s boats would then take them out to the Revenue cutter which would be anchored off the beach.
Smithers was only too pleased to assist with the preparations for the sail, but had no desire whatsoever to go.
‘You’d not get me on one of them ships going to sea. I’ll stay on dry land thank you, Miss Julia, and I won’t rest until you are back here safe and sound,’ she grumbled.
Saturday came, grey and dismal with little wind. The Reverend Talbot and his lady arrived, in their gig driven by an aged retainer, to collect her punctually at eight, and down the hill and along to the beach they drove, Mrs Talbot as loquacious as ever. Out to sea they could see where the Glorious was anchored, and on the beach was the rowboat with a group of seamen waiting for them.
Lieutenant Wareham was there also.
‘Ah, you have timed it perfectly, Reverend,’ he quipped, as helped the ladies out of the gig.
‘Mason will be back here at six o’clock to collect us,’ the vicar announced in a sonorous voice. ‘I do hope the weather improves as the day progresses,’ and he gazed anxiously at the sullen sky.
‘I am sure it will,’ said Lieutenant Wareham cheerfully. ‘Come ladies, we must get you settled in the cutter.’
‘Oh, Lieutenant, I do hope it will not be rough. I am so terribly afraid I may be ill. Oh, it is so exciting to have a day at sea!’
Mrs Talbot was visibly flushed and excited as she turned this way and that, her eyes darting everywhere.
‘Pray, do stay calm, Mrs Talbot,’ uttered the vicar in a firm voice. ‘We are in capable hands with Captain Martin and his crew so do not excite yourself.’
Mrs Talbot stilled immediately and in a timid voice said, ‘Of course, my love. How foolish of me,’ and smiled tremulously at her husband.
Two burly seamen came forward on command from the cox’n, and joining their hands together, made a seat, which Julia sat upon and was lifted up and carried to the boat at the water’s edge. Mrs Talbot was handled in the same way, then Mr Talbot and Lieutenant Wareham climbed into the boat. The order was given and the seamen pulled the rowboat into the water before climbing in, and in unison, started rowing out to the Glorious.
A splash of spray from an errant oar hit Julia’s shoulder as she sat nestled beside Mrs Talbot. The smell of salt air assailed her nostrils and the sea breeze lifted her wide-brimmed straw chapeau slightly, even though it was tied tightly beneath her chin.
The seamen rowed briskly through the calm sea and in no time at all they were at the side of the ship. Julia felt herself expertly hoisted on to the ship’s ladder, which hung down the side, and with a sailor behind her, had little difficulty in climbing up where eager hands assisted her on to the deck.
Captain Martin gave her a jovial welcome and introduced her to his wife, Evelyn, a pleasant looking woman in her late thirties, and their two children, Roger aged fourteen and Sarah, twelve.
Lieutenant Wareham arrived beside her and then with much fluster, Mrs Talbot was deposited on the deck from the arms of a tattooed sailor, skirts awry, her bonnet flattened and arms flailing.
‘Oh, my goodness, what an adventure!’
Despite her predicament, she seemed to be enjoying herself hugely.
‘Why, Cousin Evelyn, I am so looking forward to our day on the water.’
Mrs Martin moved forward in an attempt to put Mrs Talbot to rights as the vicar, puffing loudly, heaved himself with a sailor’s assistance on board.
‘Cousin Lavinia, do come and sit down over here.’ Mrs Martin took Mrs Talbot by the arm. ‘Captain Martin has organised some sea chairs for us so we will not be in the way as the ship sets sail.’
Julia hesitated by the rail before following the other ladies to their allotted place. Looking ashore, she could see the beach and white cliffs all along the coast, with cattle and sheep like tiny specks on the green pasture. Turning to face the open sea, there were fishing boats working, sea birds circling above them, and the sails of other ships plying the channel.
The unfamiliar movement of the ship as it rocked and swayed gently brought back memories of another time and place, back in her childhood. The creaking of the timber and a sudden flapping, caused her to look up into the rigging. This sea trial was to test the new rigging, according to Lieutenant Wareham. The huge expanse of main sail was white, and obviously new when compared to the yellowed salt-stained sail on the mizzen mast.
Reluctantly, Julia sat with the ladies and watched, fascinated, as the whistle blew and the sailors began scurrying to their respective stations. The officers barked orders and the Glorious slowly started to turn into the wind, then surged forward, foam billowing in her wake, the ship abuzz with activity.
Despite the relative calmness of the sea, there was a gentle roll as they moved along. Lieutenant Wareham was engaged in conversation with Captain Martin and several officers on the poop deck; the children running around the deck from side to side pointing out the sights. Julia unfurled her sunshade and, standing up, moved tentatively at first and then with more confidence, over to the rail to look at the land as they sailed along the coast.
Reverend Talbot joined her, wiping his face with a large handkerchief, his large brimmed hat secured tightly on his head.
‘You do not suffer from the ‘mal de mer,’ Miss Farraday?’ he enquired.
‘No. Not that I am aware of.’ Julia smiled fondly, trying to capture the elusive memories of her childhood voyage from India.
‘You are most fortunate indeed,’ he sighed. ‘I regret to say that I am a bad sailor, though I think today the weather should not be too intolerable. Hopefully, I will not have to excuse myself from the company. ’Pon my soul, what is that smell?’
He held his handkerchief to his nose and looked around in alarm as from the galley area came an aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with another, even stronger odour of burning toast.
‘Shall we move to the other side of the ship,’ he asked anxiously, offering her his arm.
Julia felt quite sure she could manage on her own, but did not like to appear rude so accepted, and in a slow stately manner they made their way to the other side. A fishing boat was close by, the men on board hauling in a net of silvery fish that gleamed with movement despite the dullness of the day.
‘It always surprises me that just across that narrow stretch of water lies our natural enemy, France,’ he announced ponderously.
‘We are now at peace,’ Julia said firmly. ‘Please God, long may it last. Everyone is so tired of war and the terrible loss of life.’
‘Very true, Miss Farraday,’ he nodded sagely. ??
?Regretfully, man’s inhumanity towards man has existed since time began and sadly I cannot see it changing.’
Julia checked herself before answering in a manner that could cause a disagreement. It was a pleasant day out and she had no wish to enter into arguments.
‘Does Mrs Talbot suffer from sea sickness?’ she asked, changing the subject rapidly.
‘Goodness me, no. Lavinia is fortunately a good sailor, though whenever we are at sea she always expects to be ill. I do know her cousin, Mrs Martin, has succumbed to the motion of the sea when it has become rough.’
‘Has Captain Martin been in command of the Revenue’s ship for long?’ she asked.
‘He received his commission back in thirteen and has been ship’s captain since then.’
As the Glorious turned she heeled to one side, and Julia looked up into the rigging where the sailors worked the yards and set the sails, while from the for’ard deck, orders were barked out.
Julia shuddered at the thought of one of them falling but they were as nimble as monkeys, practically dancing along the yardarms, furling and unfurling canvas as they went. The sails swelled out again and the ship gained speed. Lieutenant Wareham and the children joined them at the rail.
‘Look sir,’ said young Roger to Mr Talbot. ‘They are trying out the new sail!’
Sure enough, an extremely large, pristine-white jibsail billowed out from the long bowsprit. It filled with air causing an appreciable increase in speed. The boy whooped with delight and ran off towards the bowsprit, his sister in hot pursuit.
‘Ah, the exuberance of youth. Do you not wish you were a boy again, Lieutenant?’ smiled the vicar.
‘Oh, no,’ Lieutenant Wareham replied with a laugh. ‘I trust I have enough youthful vigour for my own pursuits.’
‘Well, that’s as may be. Your profession is sadly, a dangerous one.’ Mr Talbot turned his gaze towards the shore. ‘So hard to believe that the peaceful scene we see before us changes into a mayhem of evilness and violence in the cover of darkness when the smugglers are at work.’
This was said in an almost pensive tone.
Lieutenant Wareham stiffened. ‘You are quite right, Mr Talbot. It is deceptive. However, right will overcome wrong, and though it has taken time, far too much time in fact, I believe we are winning the battle against the smuggling fraternity.’
‘I do hope you are right in that, Lieutenant. These evil men that cause so much distress and sorrow to the community must be dealt with and punished severely,’ he replied earnestly.
‘We will win the fight, Vicar. The service is dedicated to that fact, I promise you. Ah, coffee!’
Captain Martin’s steward appeared before them with steaming mugs of coffee, which the vicar waved away, handkerchief to nose, and went after the children. Julia and the Lieutenant sipped the steaming brew in companionable silence. It was hot and aromatic. In fact, Julia could not remember when she had last enjoyed a cup more.
As they headed out to sea, Julia scanned the horizon for further sails and then looked back to the distant shore. For a moment she thought she could see a lone rider on a black horse, high on one of the cliffs, and the thought of Gerald flashed through her mind. This was followed by a vision of him with the lovely Lenore and she flinched at the thought. Julia steadied herself, barely aware of what the Lieutenant was saying to her, her heart and mind following her eyes as the rider vanished from sight.
The rest of the day was spent cruising along in fitful sunshine as the day improved. Luncheon was a lavish affair in the main cabin, of cold cuts, hot pies, tarts, puddings and fruit with a savoury to follow, and biscuits and cheese, all to be washed down with punch, claret, hock and port, with lemonade and ginger beer provided for the youngsters.
Promenading around the deck with the ladies, Mrs Martin was most forthcoming on the eligible males in the district.
‘Oh, Mr Hamilton is a sad rake, my dear. No sensible mother could entertain him for her daughter. Now yonder Lieutenant,’ she added roguishly, ‘is a different kettle of fish entirely.’
‘Indeed yes,’ ascertained Lavinia Talbot excitedly, her eyes roving everywhere.
‘A fine young man. I do believe though there is some talk of an understanding with Martha Blake. Is that not so, Cousin?’
Mrs Talbot nodded her head vigorously.
‘Yes. Unfortunately her dear papa passed away only six months ago, and after the mourning period I am sure it will be announced. Here comes the dear Vicar. I do trust he is still feeling well,’ she said anxiously.
After noting the quantity of food and beverages that Mr Talbot had partaken of at luncheon, Julia would not have been in the least surprised if he was feeling anything but well. To her amazement, the vicar was quite jovial and in excellent spirits.
‘Ladies, should you not be seated in your chairs and resting rather than exercising after our excellent lunch?’
‘Nonsense, Vicar,’ said Mrs Martin forthrightly. ‘Gentle exercise such as this can only be good for us. Give me your arm, Vicar. Lavinia, you take the other one and we shall enjoy a promenade with you.’
Laughing, the three set off around the deck again, and Julia joined Captain Martin and the Lieutenant on the poop deck.
‘I trust you are enjoying your day at sea, Miss Farraday?’ said the Captain with a smile.
‘Oh, yes indeed, thank you, Captain Martin,’ said Julia with enthusiasm. ‘It has brought back so many memories of my childhood when I returned to England from India and how kind the sailors were to we children.’
‘I see Mr Talbot has been regaling you with stories, or was it sermons, Miss Farraday?’ he added with a twinkle in his eye.
Julia smiled. ‘No, not quite. I believe he has dined well and is now at the mercy of the ladies.’
‘Well,’ said the Captain, ‘Mrs Martin and his wife will keep him entertained, I’m sure. Should you wish to go aloft, Miss Farraday, we have a basket and a seaman would accompany you,’ he offered mischievously.
‘No, no, I thank you. I have no head for heights,’ and she twisted her mother’s amethyst ring.
Both men roared with laughter, and Julia joined them in relief.
‘You are teasing me, Captain Martin.’
‘Not all, ma’am. We do have a basket, but,’ he added kindly, ‘I do understand your reluctance for the venture. Should you like to go, Wareham?’
‘Indeed I would, sir, though I think if I have one of your men with me, I could climb the rigging to the crows nest.’
‘Off you go then. Mr Hall,’ this to one of the officers,‘send Thompson up with the Lieutenant. Here, take my telescope so you get a good view.’
The Lieutenant stuffed the telescope in his breeches and was soon off with Thompson, climbing the rigging up the main mast. Julia wondered at his bravery and could hardly bear to watch, though he climbed successfully and waved down to them all when he reached the nest. After an hour or so, he rejoined them, flushed and proud of his exploit, and full of the sightings on the horizon and the excellence of the captain’s telescope.
The rest of the day passed agreeably. In the early evening, they disembarked and returned to Mr Talbot’s gig where Mason was patiently waiting. The ride home was quiet as the vicar soon fell asleep and both ladies were pleasantly weary.
On entering the house, Smithers was waiting in high expectation of the day’s events.
‘Well, you have returned safe and sound, the Lord be thanked!’ she exclaimed.
‘We did have the vicar with us, Smithers,’ said Julia mischievously. ‘I’m sure that alone would have protected us from anything untoward.’
‘Humph,’ snorted the maid. ‘You may make fun but I don’t trust the sea and have had an uneasy feeling all day. Come upstairs and let me attend to your toilette. My, but your face is flushed. You have quite a pretty colour.’
She prattled on as Julia followed her. ‘Mrs Knight has a light supper prepared for you when you are ready.’
‘Thank you, Smithers.’
Dutifully, Julia followed her, happy to leave herself to the maid’s administrations, and after supper, feeling slightly wind burnt and pleasantly weary, she fell into bed and went straight into a dreamless sleep.