Hold on to your Dreams (21 page)

‘My goodness,’ her mother exclaimed. ‘That dear man is determined to help those children, isn’t he? And he must value your opinion, Gertrude.’

‘I think it’s just wonderful, and I’ll help in any way I can.’

Hanna looked thoughtful, and spoke almost to herself. ‘This is more like the man I knew before tragedy struck his family. He’s happy again.’

By the end of the week, the old ship was swarming with men, and David could hardly believe work was under way so quickly. But then he should have known Alex never wasted time once his mind was set on something. He had moved like a storm-force wind, hiring workers and suppliers, and once everything was in place he’d stepped back and let David take over, watching but never interfering.

‘She’s a mess, isn’t she?’

David spun round to find Lord Chester standing behind him. ‘We’ve got to tear out all the rotting wood before we can start rebuilding,’ he replied. ‘It looks worse than it really is at the moment.’

‘I’m glad you said “rebuilding”,’ Lord Chester remarked dryly. ‘You’re the one with all the knowledge, son, so is she going to float again, or is Alex just dreaming?’

‘Oh, he never takes anything on unless he’s looked into it thoroughly and is sure it’s a viable project. Give me a year and the
Ocean Sprite
will live up to her name.’ David didn’t know when he’d started to feel affection for the poor old lady, but he really believed what he’d said.

‘You’re right, of course, and the only reason we’ve gone into this is because we trust his instinct, and he has you with him. You and your father are highly thought of in the shipping world.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘I had you checked out before going into this scheme, and from what I’ve heard you’re a clever young man. Alex is no fool.’

David was so surprised by this he didn’t know what to say.

‘Can I go on board?’

‘I wouldn’t at the moment, but come back in a couple of months and I’ll give you a guided tour.’

‘I’ll do that. We’re giving a small dinner party a week tomorrow. Join us.’

‘Thank you, I’d be delighted to.’ It was an effort to hide his surprise.

‘Excellent. My wife will send you an invitation. Now I’ll leave you to your work, David.’

He strode away and David watched him in amazement, rather disconcerted to know he’d been checked out. The report must have been impressive, because not only had the eminent Lord Chester invited him to dine with them, he’d called him by his Christian name.

At that moment there was the most almighty crash, which had him tearing up the gangplank. ‘What’s happened?’ he yelled. ‘Is anyone hurt?’

The man, Bentley, whom he’d put in charge of the first stage of the work, appeared through a hatchway. ‘Nothing to worry about, sir. Part of the lower decking gave way, but no one’s hurt. All the noise was caused by a pile of wood falling through the hole.’

‘Thank God for that!’

The foreman came and stood beside him. ‘Means we’re going to have to replace all of that section, though.’

‘Do it. This ship’s going to sail with children on board, so she’s got to be the safest vessel on the sea.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Bentley rubbed his hands together, smiling. ‘She’s going to be a happy ship because everyone here is working on her with love for the old vessel. I heard one man tell her he was sorry to be tearing her apart, but not to worry, she’d feel better soon.’

‘I think soon is a bit optimistic.’ David laughed. ‘I’ll be away for a couple of days, so is there anything you need to know before I go?’

‘I know what’s got to be done. I’ve been building ships like this since I was little more than a kid. You can leave it to me, sir.’

David was grateful to Alex for paying top wages. They had managed to gather together a good team, and it was already evident he wasn’t going to have to watch over their every move. Which was a good thing. His workload was increasing day by day. Alex had gained more drive and purpose lately, and in this kind of mood it wasn’t easy to keep up with him. David now found himself being stretched, and he loved every challenge.

Early Friday morning they were all in the coach on their way to the farm in Kent.

Millie couldn’t stop smiling, she was so happy. ‘We had a huge party last night,’ she told them. ‘The men know they’ve got jobs for at least a year and that means the kids will have plenty to eat. They can’t stop talking about the ship and how beautiful she’s gonna be when they’ve finished with her. Johnny said he wants to sit in the crow’s nest.’

That made Alex laugh. ‘You tell him I’ll take him up there when we’ve got one.’

The journey was pleasant, and the sun even decided to show itself to brighten their way. They stopped at an inn for lunch; it was a pleasant spot and they lingered while the horses enjoyed the grass in a field adjoining the inn. Refreshed, they continued on their way. The men talked about ships, cargoes and the planned riding school, but the girls were content to sit quietly and watch the passing scenery. As the city was left behind and they began travelling through fields and open spaces, sighs of sheer bliss kept coming from Millie.

The evenings were drawing out a little by now, and it was still light when they arrived.

Millie was the first out of the coach, and she clutched at Gertrude’s sleeve to urge her forward. ‘Look at those, ain’t they beautiful! Let’s go and see that big black one. He’s looking at us.’

Alex lunged and caught her as she started to run towards the animals. ‘Whoa! You mustn’t go near them unless I’m with you.’

‘I won’t hurt him,’ she said, innocently.

A stocky man joined them, smiling a greeting. ‘They will hurt you, though, Miss. They’re warhorses and have uncertain tempers. They bite and kick.’

‘That’s not nice. Why do they do that?’

‘They’re bred as fighters,’ Alex told her.

She took a step back and let out a deep breath. ‘We ain’t gonna ride them, are we?’

‘No, I’ve got a gentle pony for you.’ Alex then introduced the man standing beside him. ‘This is Stan Brewster, he runs the place for me. Stan meet Miss Melrose, Millie, and David Gardener, my shipping agent.’

‘I’m pleased to meet you all. Everything’s ready for you and your guests, sir.’

They went into the house, were shown their rooms, and then enjoyed a splendid meal, cooked for them by Stan’s wife. Instead of the men retiring to another room, the after dinner drinks were served in the sitting room, and with the farm manager also present, they discussed what had to be done to set up the riding school.

Alex encouraged everyone to contribute ideas, listening just as intently to the girls as he did to the men. Gertrude and Millie were being made to feel valuable members of the project, and when it came to caring for the children, they were a great help.

It was eleven o’clock before Alex called a halt. ‘That will do for tonight. In the morning we’ll look over the proposed site, and then we can properly assess its suitability. We have a busy day ahead of us, so I suggest we all retire.’

For a brief moment Gertrude wondered where she was, then she woke up completely. Of course, they were at the farm. Tired out by the journey and lengthy discussions after dinner, she had slept soundly. She stretched, enjoying the comfort of the impressively carved wooden bed. It was huge, and wondered if she had been given the best room in the house. It wasn’t as grand as the house in London, but it was a working farm and had a lovely homely feel about it.

Telling herself she couldn’t lounge around all day, however tempting that was, she jumped out of bed. The men would not be pleased if they had to waste time waiting for her. A fire was already burning in the grate, and there was fresh water on the stand. It was still hot and she couldn’t believe someone had come in without her waking.

Half an hour later she was about to go down for breakfast when she heard a shout. Curious, she looked out of the window. Several men were gathered in the paddock, and her breath caught in her throat when she saw Alex vault over the fence and approach the most enormous horse she had ever seen. He was black as night, with a white star on his forehead, and he looked highly dangerous. Everyone else was keeping well out of the way.

Grabbing her coat, she ran down the stairs and out the door. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked, skidding to a stop beside David.

It was Stan who answered, never taking his eyes off Alex and the horse. ‘We haven’t been able to break that beast, so Mr Glendale’s going to see what he can do. We’ll
have to get rid of him if he can’t be ridden, and that would be a great shame. He’s a fine specimen.’

‘They’ve managed to get a saddle on him,’ David told her, shaking his head, ‘and that was dangerous enough. That’s one evil-minded horse, and I doubt if Alex will even be able to get near him, let alone mount up.’

‘I wouldn’t bet on that, sir. Mr Glendale’s the finest horseman I’ve ever seen.’

‘Shouldn’t someone be out there with him?’ she asked, frightened by what they’d told her. ‘Alex could be injured – or even killed.’

‘He knows what he’s doing. Don’t you worry, Miss.’

‘This is my son, Reg, Miss Melrose. He’s been working with the horse, but has had to give up.’

Reg bowed slightly, then moved towards the fence, murmuring, ‘I hated giving in, but I don’t think you’re going to be able to intimidate the man in front of you, my beauty.’

Alex sidestepped as the animal lowered his head and charged. Then everything happened so quickly Gertrude had to grip David’s arm tightly. Before the horse had turned to attack again, Alex was in the saddle. After trying every trick he knew and not being able to dislodge the man on his back, the horse stood still, not moving a muscle.

‘Oh, he’s decided to behave.’ Gertrude breathed a sigh of relief.

‘Don’t you believe it,’ Stan told her. ‘He’s just trying to make his rider believe he’s won. Any minute now …’

Suddenly the horse went down and Alex jumped clear just as the animal rolled over, but was back in the saddle
again before the animal was back on his feet.

‘Did you see that?’ Reg was grinning. ‘Mr Glendale’s got to teach me that. What you going to do now, you nasty tempered devil?’ he called to the horse. ‘That was your best trick. You can’t get rid of him, can you?’

With fury emanating from him, the horse suddenly took off, hurdled the fence and disappeared into the distance.

‘Damn!’ Reg was cheering. ‘He’s got him, Dad. He’s got the bugger!’

‘Language,’ his father scolded. ‘There’s a lady present.’

‘Sorry, Miss. I forgot myself in the excitement.’

‘I quite understand, but shouldn’t someone go after them?’ She was shaking with fright. The only horses she’d ever encountered had been fully trained and docile. She’d certainly never seen one that was still wild.

‘We’ll give him half an hour, but he could have gone in any direction.’ Stan nodded at his son. ‘Better saddle up our horses, just in case.’

‘No need.’ Reg pointed to a figure in the distance. ‘I’ll open the paddock gate and then he won’t have to jump the fence.’

‘Does the animal know that?’ David asked, dryly.

‘We’ll soon see.’

They watched in silence as Alex and the horse came closer. They were still moving at a full gallop, but as they approached the fence the horse slowed to a canter, and after an obvious argument with his rider, trotted through the gate. Jumping down, Alex immediately removed the saddle, threw it across the fence, and then walked towards them.

‘Well done, sir.’ Reg shook his hand. ‘What do you think? Will we be able to keep him?’

‘Probably, but I’ll leave him to think about things for a while, and I’ll ride him again later in the day. We should be able to tell then if he’s going to be any good, or not.’ He took a blanket from Stan’s hand, walked back and put it over the horse, patting him firmly and whispering something in his ear. The animal tried to bite him but he dodged, and then came back to them. He was brushing dust from his jacket and laughing. ‘We’re not friends yet. Now, if you will excuse me, I must change.’

‘He isn’t even out of breath.’ David shook his head. ‘Come on, Gertie, let’s find Millie and have breakfast. I’m starving after all that excitement.’

He’d enjoyed that! Alex was elated as he took the stairs two at a time. It had been some time since he’d tussled with an animal like that. If he’d still been in the cavalry he would have taken the horse for himself. But he wasn’t, and as much as he missed it, that part of his life was over. There were different challenges to face now.

Discouraged at one point, he’d made up his mind to dismiss all hope of winning Gertie, but then David had told him what the youngsters had written in the book they’d given her. The words had caught his attention and made him give serious thought to his hopes and dreams, and he’d decided not to give up. He’d made a mess of things from the start, and needed to embark on a different course of action. A stealthy approach was necessary – one the target was unaware of.

Once in his room he stripped off his dusty clothes and set about cleaning himself up.

Miriam was a sweet girl, but it had soon become apparent to both of them that they would not suit each other. She had readily agreed to continue the subterfuge, because she had good reasons of her own for allowing people to think they were about to become engaged. They were both in love with someone else, and believed this pretence would be an advantage to both of them.

Fully dressed again, he smiled with satisfaction. His campaign was moving along quite well, and Miriam was about to start hers.

The next few weeks should be interesting.

‘Tell me all about it.’ Florence patted the seat beside her. ‘I know you’ve only just arrived back, but I can’t wait to hear the news.’

Gertrude laughed and sat beside her mother. She’d only been away for three days, but the improvement in her mother was marked. She was moving easier, although she still needed to use the stick, but it was her speech where the improvement was most noticeable. The fumbling over words and hesitation had almost gone.

‘We’ve had the most interesting time. The farm is very large, with plenty of room for a riding school well away from the warhorses.’ She pulled a face. ‘You should see them, Mother. Alex wouldn’t let us anywhere near them.’

‘I should think not, my dear. Now, what plans have been made for the riding school?’

‘Well, there was this huge barn and it’s going to be
turned into living quarters for the children. The manager’s son has a wife and little girl, and they will run the school. The children from London won’t be there all the time, of course, so it will be open to anyone who wants to learn to ride well. Their aim is to make it pay for itself in time.’

‘Very sensible.’ Florence smiled at her daughter’s animated face. ‘I can see you enjoyed yourself. Did you ride while you were there?’

‘Yes.’ She grimaced. ‘And I’m still stiff. David can hardly walk, but he was riding quite expertly by the time we came home. He said Alex had told him we would have to ride the destriers, but he’d only been teasing. He had enough ordinary horses for us, although he rode one of the warhorses, of course.’

‘Ah, well, I expect he’s quite used to being in the saddle. Cavalry officers have to be expert horsemen.’

‘Oh, he is.’

Something in the tone of her daughter’s voice made Florence glance up quickly, speculation in her eyes, but she made no comment. ‘I’ve kept you long enough, my dear, go and change while I order tea for us. Hanna should be here any moment, and you’ll have to give her a full account of your visit to the farm.’

Standing on the dock, David watched the activity. Men were all over the ship, laughing and joking as they worked. This venture was already bringing happiness to quite a few.

‘Mr Gardener!’

He looked in the direction of the call and saw Fred waving frantically. Waving back, he made his way on
board. ‘Hello, Fred, you’re not needed already, surely?’

‘I’ve come with Mr Green. He wants to see what’s being done and find out when we might be able to start.’ Fred stepped back to let a man pass with a load of rotting wood over his shoulder. He gazed around in wonder. ‘We can’t wait to get going. There’s a lot to do.’

David pursed his lips, frowning. ‘The poor old girl looks in an even worse state than last time I saw her – and it’s only been three days.’

‘Bound to, but once all the old stuff’s been removed, and the builders start work, she’ll soon show her real form.’ Fred was nodding, sounding very grown-up and knowledgeable.

‘The boy’s right, Mr Gardener.’ The foreman joined them. ‘We’re making good progress. The hull’s been checked and it’s in quite a decent state. She was well built.’

Someone yelled for the foreman. ‘I’m coming! Excuse me, sir, glad to have you back. I’ll give you a full report when we pack up this evening.’

They watched the foreman hurry off, and then Fred said, ‘Millie told me about the farm. I’d have loved to see Sir ride that horse. She told me Miss was really worried in case he got hurt. When he rode it again she wouldn’t go and watch, but Millie did, ’cos she missed the first time. She told me the bed was so soft she didn’t want to get out of it. Miss had to practically drag her out, and when she heard about the horse, she was determined to watch when he rode it again.’

‘He’s a skilled horseman and didn’t appear to be in any danger. The animal’s all right now, and can be ridden.
They were all very pleased. It was a good job Alex was there, because they were afraid the horse wouldn’t be any use as a cavalry mount.’

‘Ah, well, stands to reason he’d be able to handle a bad-tempered animal.’ Fred shoved his hands in his pockets, changing the subject abruptly. ‘Is he really gonna marry that other girl?’

‘That’s the rumour.’

‘Hmm, hope she don’t stop him coming to see us. He’s thought a lot of down Tanner Street.’

‘I don’t think he could be stopped doing what he wants to, Fred, not even by a wife. And I don’t think you need worry. She’s a very nice girl.’

‘Nah, you’re right. Will the riding school take long to get ready?’ he asked, changing the subject again.

‘Four or five months. Alex wants it in operation by summer, and work has already started.’

‘David!’ His father was on the dock. ‘The
Falcon
’s coming in.’

‘She’s early! I’ve got to go, Fred.’

What a week! He’d been on the go from morning till night, and he felt more like sleeping than attending a dinner party. But he’d have a chance to see Miriam Chester again, so it would be worth it.

David studied his reflection in the mirror, and decided he looked presentable enough. The evening suit was new, fitting him well. It was the best one he’d ever bought, but with the money he was now earning, he felt he could afford it.

‘Get a move on, son, or you’ll be late, and that wouldn’t do at all.’ His father studied him ‘Very elegant. The cab’s here.’

‘I’m on my way.’ He hurried out to the waiting cab.

He arrived a few minutes before the other guests. There was no sign of Alex yet, and although David had seen very little of him during the week, he had assumed he would be here. But when dinner was announced it was obvious he wasn’t coming, and David thought that was strange.

It was a pleasant meal, made all the more enjoyable because he was seated next to Miriam. As the evening progressed he knew his first reaction to meeting this lovely girl had been true. He’d loved her on sight, and the more time he spent with her, the more certain he was that the feeling wasn’t going to change. How painful it would be to see her become Alex’s wife.

‘Miriam, why don’t you show David the conservatory?’ her father suggested. ‘Our daughter is a wonder with plants, and has some beautiful specimens.’

‘I’d like to see them.’ He stood up and followed Miriam to the rear of the house. He stopped in amazement when she opened a door leading into an enormous glass room. It was filled with every kind of plant and the perfume was quite heady. As he gazed around he knew he didn’t know the name of any of the plants. Ah, yes he did. ‘Your orchids are lovely.’

‘They’re very showy, aren’t they?’ She ran a finger lightly over a delicate yellow bloom. ‘I grow them for my mother, but I prefer the tiny violets. My father likes the ferns, he says it makes this place look like a jungle, and he
keeps expecting a tiger to jump out at him instead of the family cat.’ She laughed, a light musical sound that made him tingle. ‘What are your favourites?’

‘I don’t know anything about plants,’ he admitted.

‘Ah, an honest man; I like that.’

‘You’d soon find me out if I pretended to know what any of them are. Now, if you wanted to know about ships I could talk for hours on the subject.’

‘Then we are even, for I know nothing about ships. Come with me.’ She slipped her hand through his arm and guided him through the maze of plants. ‘I’ll show you a violet.’

They spent a lovely hour discussing, not only plants, but touching on many subjects. She was knowledgeable about politics, and he found it fascinating for a woman to be so informed on the subject. She was a quieter version of Gertie, and just as easy to talk to. He could see now why he was so attracted to her. Finally, he just had to say, ‘Alex is a lucky man.’

‘Is he? Why?’ She picked up a can and began watering some of the plants.

‘Because he’s going to marry you.’

She looked up at him. ‘But he isn’t. We like each other, but we wouldn’t suit.’

It took some moments to assimilate this information, and he wasn’t at all sure he’d heard correctly. ‘Would you repeat that, please?’

‘I will not be marrying Alex. It would not have worked between us because both of us are set on someone else.’

The elation beginning to surge through him drained
away. ‘Then they are very fortunate people. Who are they?’

‘Ah, that’s my secret.’ A teasing smile hovered on her lips. ‘And if you really want to know, you’ll have to find out. It won’t be any good asking Alex, as he won’t talk either.’

‘I see.’ He propped himself up against a bench. ‘Does this man you like have a title?’

‘No.’

‘Would your father allow you to marry someone who wasn’t enormously rich?’

‘I can’t speak for my father. You’ll have to ask him if you really want to know.’ She slipped a hand through his arm again. ‘It’s time we returned to the others.’

Somehow he got through the evening, but his mind was in turmoil by the time he arrived back home. Miriam and Alex weren’t planning to marry, so why was he still allowing everyone to believe they were? He’d been in a buoyant mood just lately, making plans, and appearing to be a man happy about his future. David had assumed, wrongly, that it was to be with Miriam Chester.

Then the reason for Alex’s behaviour hit him. This was all about Gertie. Alex hadn’t given up hope of winning her; he’d just changed tactics.

And what had Miriam meant with all those hints tonight? Why had she suggested he ask her father if he would allow her to marry someone who was not wealthy? Was it because she didn’t want to answer the question, or was she hinting she would welcome his interest? No, it had been more than a hint. She could have been telling him to approach her father, but his mind was having
difficulty believing such a thing could be possible. After all, they’d only met a few times. He shook his head. That was no argument; it had only taken one glance for him to fall in love with her, and he’d never been very good at hiding his feelings. Not like Alex. The man was a master of disinterest, when it suited him. If he really was still determined on Gertie, then he was doing a fine job of disguising his intent.

His thoughts were all over the place, and he needed to talk things through with Gertie. It might help to clear his mind, and she ought to be told what Miriam had said.

As he grabbed hold of his coat he caught sight of the clock on the mantelpiece. Not at one o’clock in the morning! He’d have to see her at a more respectable hour.

‘You’re up early, my dear.’ Gertrude’s father greeted her as she walked into the breakfast room. ‘What are your plans for today?’

‘I thought I’d visit the bookshop and see if I could find some suitable reading for May. I was wondering if Mrs James would allow me to teach her little girl to read. Do you think she would? I’m sure it would help with her speech.’

‘That’s a lovely idea, and no doubt Mrs James would be grateful.’

‘I’ll do that then.’ She was pleased to have his approval. ‘Mother’s still asleep so I didn’t wake her. Aunt Hanna’s coming this morning to take her for morning tea and a gossip with friends.’

He nodded. ‘I’m very relieved to see your mother out
and about again. Hanna’s been marvellous, hasn’t she?’

‘I don’t know what we’d have done without her.’ She put scrambled egg, bacon and mushrooms on her plate, and then sat down.

Her father looked at her plate, amused. ‘I see you’re hungry.’

‘Starving.’

Just then, David arrived. ‘Good morning. I’m glad to see you’re up already, Gertie.’

‘My goodness!’ Sutton exclaimed. ‘You’re early as well, David. Do you want breakfast?’

‘Thanks, I haven’t had time to eat this morning yet.’ He filled a plate and sat next to Gertie.

‘What’s so urgent it couldn’t wait?’ Sutton had finished eating and was on his feet, ready to leave for work. ‘Is it me or Gertie you want to talk to?’

‘Gertie, and this is the only spare moment I’ve got in the day.’

‘I’ll leave you to it, then. I’m so short of carpenters now I’m putting my skills to work again after a long time.’ He gave an almost boyish smile. ‘I must say I’m enjoying myself.’

David watched him leave, and finished eating before saying what he’d come for. ‘I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get you on your own, but thought I’d have more chance at this time in the morning.’

‘Has something happened?’

‘You’re not going to believe this. Alex and Miriam aren’t going to marry!’

‘You’re right, I don’t believe it.’ She stared at him in
disbelief for a moment, then asked, ‘Who told you that?’

‘Miriam. She said they wouldn’t suit, because they were both set on someone else.’ He paused and took a deep breath. ‘I swear those were her exact words.’

‘Are you sure you hadn’t had too much wine?’ she joked.

‘Only two glasses with dinner. I was quite sober.’ He shot her an offended glance.

‘All right, David. Did Miriam say who?’

‘No, but Alex has been different just lately. He’s been calling on you to help him. First with the dinner party, then with the riding school, and I believe he hasn’t given up hope of winning you. He’s changed his tactics by making you his friend – then he’ll move in and conquer.’

‘You make it sound like a military campaign,’ she chided. ‘I don’t believe a word of it. You’re so captivated by Miriam Chester that you’re imagining all this.’

‘You can scoff as much as you like, but I’m sure this is what he’s doing. But you’re right about my feelings for Miriam, and that’s why I’ve come to see you. I can’t think straight.’ He then went into detail about what had happened the night before.

There was a tense silence when he’d finished, as she digested this information. He let her think about it for a while, then asked, ‘What do you think?’

‘I think the only way for you to find out if it’s you she’s interested in is to ask her if she’d like to go to the theatre, or for a meal at a good restaurant. If she refuses, then you’ll know you were wrong.’

‘You’re right, of course. What are you going to do about Alex?’

‘Absolutely nothing. If what you say is true, and I’m not sure it is, I’ll let him continue his campaign, and see what happens. But I’m not getting my hopes up. I’ve had too many disappointments to cope with lately, and if I allow myself to believe he’s still set on me, and then he marries someone else, it will tear me apart.’