Legend of the Seventh Virgin (46 page)

I must not be too early; so I went into the meadow to stand within that ring of stones which had somehow made themselves a symbol in my life. They had loved life too but they were the unwise virgins. They were like butterflies awakened to the sun; they had danced too madly in its rays and had dropped to death. Turned into stone. Poor sad creatures. But it was the absent one — the seventh — who always took first place in my thoughts when I stood here.

Then I thought of myself standing in the wall and all of us being gathered there. It was like the start of a drama … all the main characters gathered together. Some of the actors had found tragedy, others happiness ever after. Poor Johnny who had met a violent death; Justin who had chosen to shut himself away; Mellyora who had been buffeted by fate because she had not been strong enough to fight for what she wanted; and Kerensa and Kim, who would give the story its happy ending.

I prayed then that my marriage would be fruitful. I had my beloved son and I would have others — Kim’s and mine. For Carlyon there would be the title and the Abbas, for he was a St. Larnston and the Abbas had been the property of the St. Larnstons as long as anyone could remember; but I would plan brilliant futures for the sons and daughters Kim and I would have.

I went across the lawns to the Abbas.

I stood in the great portico and rang the bell. Haggety appeared.

“Good afternoon, Ma’am. Mr. Kimber is waiting for you in the library.”

Kim came towards me as I entered. I could sense his excitement. He took my cloak and he showed no surprise to see that I had discarded my mourning. He was looking at my face, not at my gown.

“Shall we talk first and have tea after?” he asked. “There’ll be a good deal to discuss.”

“Yes, Kim,” I answered eagerly. “Let’s talk now.”

He slipped his arm through mine and led me to the window where we stood side by side looking out across the lawns. I could see the ring of stones in the meadow, and I thought this was the perfect setting for his proposal.

“I’ve been thinking a great deal about this, Kerensa,” he said, “and if I’ve spoken too soon after your tragedy … you must forgive me.”

“Please Kim,” I told him earnestly, “I am ready to hear what you have to say.”

He still hesitated; then he went on: “I knew a great deal about this place in the past. You know I used to spend most of my school holidays here. Justin was my greatest friend and I think the family took pity on a lonely boy. I often went round the estate with Justin’s father. He used to say that he wished his own sons had my interest in the place.”

I nodded. Neither Justin nor Johnny had given the Abbas the care it deserved. Justin would never have retreated as he did if he had really loved the place. As for Johnny, to him it merely meant the provision of funds with which to gamble.

“I used to wish that it could be mine. I’m telling you all this because I want you to know that I am very much aware of the state into which it has fallen. A big estate like this soon begins to suffer without the proper attention. It hasn’t had that care for a long time. It needs capital and hard work … I could give it what it needs. I have the capital but most of all I have love for it. Do you understand me, Kerensa?”

“Completely. I have been aware of all this. The Abbas needs a man … a strong man … who understands it and loves it and is ready to devote time to it.”

“I’m that man. I can save the Abbas. If something isn’t done, it will fall into decay. Did you know that the walls need attention, that there is dry rot in one wing, that the woodwork needs replenishing in a score of places? Kerensa, I want to buy the Abbas. I know this is a matter for the lawyers. I don’t quite know yet what Justin’s position is, but I wanted to talk with you first to know how you feel about it, because I know you love the house. I know you would be very sad to see it become derelict. I want your permission to start negotiations. How do you feel, Kerensa?”

How did I feel! I had come to hear a proposal of marriage and was confronted by a business proposition.

I looked into his face. It was flushed, and in his eyes was a faraway look as though he was not aware of this room nor of me, as though he were looking into the future.

I said slowly: “I had thought the place would one day be Carlyon’s. He will inherit the title if Justin does not marry and have a son — and that is scarcely likely now. This is a little unexpected …”

He took my hand and my heart leaped with sudden hope. He said: “I’m a tactless fool, Kerensa. I should have broached the matter differently … not blurted it out like this. I’ve all sorts of schemes going round and round in my head. It’s not possible to explain everything to you now …”

It was enough. I believed I understood. This was only the beginning of a plan. He would buy the Abbas and then ask me to be its mistress.

“I’m a bit dull-witted just now, Kim,” I said. “I loved Granny so much and without her …”

“My dearest Kerensa! You must never feel lost and lonely. You know I’m here to look after you … I … Mellyora, Carlyon …”

I turned to him and laid my hand on his coat; he took it and kissed it swiftly. It was enough. I knew. I had always been impatient. I wanted everything settled as soon as I knew how much I desired it.

Of course it was too soon to ask me yet. That was what Kim was telling me. First he would buy the Abbas; he would put it in order; and when it was restored to its old dignity he would ask me to be its mistress.

I said gently: “Kim, I am sure you are right. The Abbas needs you. Please go ahead with your plans. I am certain that it is the best thing that can happen to the Abbas … and to us all.”

He was delighted. I thought for one glorious moment that he was going to embrace me. He desisted however and cried happily: “Shall we ring for tea?”

“I will.” I did so and he stood smiling at me.

Mrs. Rolt answered the bell. “Tea please, Mrs. Rolt,” he said, “for Mrs. St. Larnston and me.”

And when it was brought it was like having come home. I sat at the round table, pouring out from the silver teapot just as I had imagined myself doing. The only difference was that I would not be engaged to marry Kim until after a suitable lapse of time.

But I was certain that it was only a postponement, that he had made his intentions clear; and all I had to do was be patient until my dreams became realities.

Kim was going to buy the Abbas and the St. Larnston estate. It was a complicated negotiation but while we were waiting for it to be finalized he was going ahead with certain repairs.

He never failed to consult me about these, which meant that there were many meetings between us. Afterwards Mellyora and Carlyon would join us at the Abbas — usually for tea — or he would come back with me to the Dower House. Those were pleasant days — each one shortening the period of waiting.

There were workmen in the Abbas and one day when Kim took me round to show me what work was in progress I saw Reuben Pengaster working there.

I felt sorry for Reuben and all the Pengasters because I guessed what a blow it was to them when Hetty’s body had been found; Doll had told Daisy that Farmer Pengaster had shut himself into his bedroom for three days and nights without a mite passing his lips when he had heard the news. It had been a house of mourning. I knew that Reuben had loved his sister dearly, but when I saw him working at the Abbas he looked happier than he had appeared to be for some time.

He was planing wood and his jaw was shaking as though he were enjoying a secret joke.

“How’s it progressing, Reuben?” asked Kim.

“Pretty good, sir, I reckon.”

His eyes slewed round to me and his smile was almost radiant.

“Good afternoon, Reuben,” I said.

“Good afternoon to ’ee, Ma’am.”

Kim started to explain to me what was happening and we moved off. Then I remembered that I wanted certain renovations done at the cottage and I mentioned this to Kim.

“Ask Reuben to go along and give you an estimate. He’ll be pleased to.”

I went back to Reuben.

“I want some repairs done to the cottage, Reuben,” I said.

“Oh ay!” He went on planing but I could see that he was pleased.

“Could you come along and have a look?”

“Oh ay,” he said.

“I’m thinking of building on to the cottage to make it into a small house. The foundations are good. Do you think that would be possible?”

“Reckon so. I’d have to have a good look like.”

“Well, will you come along sometime?”

He stopped work and scratched his head.

“When would ’ee like me to, Ma’am. After I’ve finished work here tomorrow?”

“That would be excellent.”

“Well then … six o’clock like.”

“It’ll be getting dark. You’d want to see it in daylight.”

He scratched his head again. “Reckon I could be there at five. That’d give us an hour of daylight, eh?”

“All right then, Reuben, five o’clock tomorrow … at the cottage. I’ll be there.”

“Very good, Ma’am.”

He went back to his work, his jaw wagging with the secret mirth.

It showed he was not fretting, and I was glad. Reuben was simple and Hetty had been away so long; he had probably forgotten what she looked like.

I rejoined Kim.

“Well,” he asked, “have you made your appointment?”

“Yes, he seemed pleased about it.”

“Reuben’s happiest when he’s working.”

Kim looked at his watch. “Let’s get back to the library. Mellyora and Carlyon will be here in a few minutes.”

As I made my way to the cottage I remembered the last occasion when I had visited it and I felt a return of my uneasiness.

As I entered the copse I kept looking over my shoulder, fancying that I might be followed. I was in good time. I should be there exactly at five o’clock. I hoped Reuben would be punctual. Once he arrived, my fancies would be dispersed.

I had never before regretted the isolation of our cottage, but welcomed it. But when Granny was there everything had seemed so safe. For a moment I was overcome by sadness and a knowledge that the world would never be quite the same for me now that Granny had left it.

The cottage seemed different. Once it had been refuge and home; now it was four cob walls, isolated from the other cottages, a place where the latch could be alarmingly lifted, where a shadow could appear at the window.

I reached the door and unlocking it, stepped inside, glancing anxiously about me. The cottage had always been dark because of the smallness of the window. I wished that I had waited for a bright morning to ask Reuben here. Still, I should be able to show him what I wanted done, I supposed, and that was all that was necessary at this stage.

Hastily I looked round the cottage and went into the storehouse to assure myself that no one was hiding there. I laughed at myself; but all the same I locked the door.

I had convinced myself that it was probably some gypsy or tramp who had tried the door and looked in at the window on that other occasion, perhaps seeking some place to return to at night to use for a shelter. Finding the door locked and seeing someone there, the intruder had rapidly retired.

I examined the ceiling of the storehouse. It certainly needed attention. If I had more rooms built on — perhaps preserving the main room with its talfat — I should have quite an interesting place.

My heart leaped in terror. It was the same as before. Someone was lifting the latch. I ran to the door and as I leaned against it there was the shadow at the window.

I stared. Then I began to laugh. “Reuben!” I cried. “So it’s you. Wait a moment, I’ll let you in.”

I was laughing with relief as he stepped into the cottage — pleasant, familiar Reuben, not a sinister stranger.

“Well,” I said briskly, “it’s not the best time of day for our business.”

“Oh, it be a good enough time of day, Ma’am.”

“Well, perhaps for our purpose. You’ll have to come again one morning. You see there’ll be lots of repairs needed … but I’m thinking of building on. We’ll have a plan. There’s one thing I do want though … this room must be left just as it is. I always wanted it to remain like this … with the old talfat round the wall. You see, Reuben?”