The Heart is Torn (5 page)

It seemed an eternity before she heard wheels grating, and then a cart appeared. Tom Tredgett, the groom, jumped down from the cart. He bent over his master and then lifted him carefully and laid him gently in the back of the cart, having thoughtfully strewn the floor of the vehicle with straw before setting out.

‘We’d best make good time, Mistress Beth,’ he said. ‘I sent the boy to fetch Doctor Lampard. He should be waiting for us.’

‘That was good thinking, Tom. Thank you. I’ll ride in the cart.’

She tied her horse behind the cart and sprang into the vehicle to crouch beside her father, pulling the straw around him to keep off the worst of the wind. She chafed his hands, for he seemed frozen, but her efforts were of no avail, and she sat in silent fear as the cart lurched steadily homewards.

Henry Farrell had still not regained his senses by the time they reached Sedge Manor. Nick came to the front door when he heard the cart’s arrival, and helped the stableman carry his father into the library.

‘Isn’t the doctor here yet?’ Beth demanded worriedly. ‘I’m frightened, Nick. Father should have come to his senses by now.’

‘I’m going to Polgarron anyway,’ Nick replied. ‘I’ll tell the doctor to make haste.’

He departed and Beth tried to arouse her father but he lay unmoving and very cold. His breathing was slow and slight, and her alarm grew as time passed. The doctor arrived finally, and shook his head after making an examination.

‘There’s a big lump on the right side of his head,’ he announced. ‘He must have struck himself in falling, probably hit a rock. I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do but wait. He should regain his senses normally, and, if he does, don’t let him go back to sleep again this side of midnight. If he’s still unconscious come morning then send for me again.’

Beth saw the doctor out, and when she returned to the library her father was stirring, blinking rapidly, a hand to his head.

‘Father! How are you feeling? Can you remember what happened?’

Henry Farrell frowned as he looked around, then sighed and closed his eyes. Beth shook him by the shoulder.

‘The doctor said you mustn’t go back to sleep, Father,’ she said desperately. ‘Stay awake, please!’

But Henry’s eyes remained closed, and he began to snore gently. Beth was filled with consternation. Her father’s face was ashen, and she feared for his life. But she sensed that worse was to come, for, in the space of a few short hours, her life had turned into a nightmare.

5

Beth spent a long and lonely vigil at her father’s bedside, caught helplessly between hope and despair. But as the hours passed slowly, her hopes dwindled and darker emotions rooted themselves in her mind.

Cold, tired, and emotionally exhausted, she sat on a hard chair beside her father’s bed until her limbs became cramped and she was compelled to rise and pace the dimly-lit room. Her gaze returned time and again to her father’s strangely-composed face.

The grandfather clock in the hall was chiming midnight when she heard an insistent knocking at the front door. Arising, she hurried down the staircase, hoping that Nick had returned. But she paused in the act of unbolting the door and demanded the identity of the caller.

A man replied but Beth could not make out what he said although she recognised the voice as Adam’s. She withdrew the heavy bolts and turned the big key in the lock. Adam came floundering in, buffeted by the raging gale. They had to fight together to close the door, and Beth leaned against it, exhausted, gazing at Adam as he divested himself of his sodden cloak.

Rain streamed down his weathered face. His tricorne was soaked and battered. He smiled though, his expression tender as he regarded her.

‘I don’t much like being ashore in such a storm. It’s much safer afloat. I saw Nick in Polgarron. He told me about your father’s mishap. How is he?’

‘Sleeping, and he shouldn’t be, so the doctor said. I’m so worried.’

He came to her, taking her hands in his.

‘Don’t worry, sweet maid,’ he said huskily. ‘I’m not going back to sea just yet. I won’t leave until we’ve married and this trouble has been cleared up. Jonah Peake is behind your trouble, and I’ll see that he doesn’t get away with it. I’ve let it be known in town that I’m going back to Falmouth to be with my ship, but I’m planning to lie low in Polgarron to get evidence of Peake’s wrong-doing. I don’t want you to worry if you don’t see or hear from me for a spell, and I shall contact you when I can. I haven’t even told my father what I’m about. He wants me to be with
Seagull
. But my first duty is to you, Beth, and that’s why I needed to talk to your father. But we’d better not disturb him if he is resting. Of course, what I’d like to do is spend time with you now, but I must be going. There may be some evil work in progress under the cover of this night and I need to be where it is taking place.’

Beth was desolated by his words. She threw herself into his arms and he held her close. But she sensed a remoteness in him, a mental distance that hinted at his desire to be about his business.

‘Can you not stay with me until morning?’ she pleaded. ‘I feel so alone. Nick will not be home, and there is only Rose in the house. If my father’s condition worsens there will be no-one to go for the doctor.’

‘I’m sorry, but I must away. I would give anything to linger, but I need to be in town, and I have to find cover for tomorrow. Don’t tell a soul about my plans, Beth. This is a dangerous game to be playing.’

‘I won’t say a word to anyone,’ she replied, stifling a sigh. ‘Be careful, Adam. I would die if anything happened to you.’

‘Don’t worry about me.’

He crushed her to him, his powerful arms entwined around her slender body. She raised her face and he kissed her ardently.

‘My sweet Beth,’ he whispered. ‘Don’t look so forlorn. Fates seem to be against us at this time, but the skies will clear, and before long we shall be able to go ahead with our plans. But this trouble has been looming for a long time, and it is better to have it out in the open while I am around.’

Beth clung to him, wanting him to stay. He kissed her tenderly and she clenched her teeth against the pleas that tried to escape her as he turned to the door. A particularly heavy gust of wind blasted against the window panes, and somewhere outside a crash echoed as a tree was blown down.

‘Adam, it isn’t safe for you to go out there,’ she said fiercely.

‘We get worse weather than this at sea,’ he retorted. ‘Keep your chin up, Beth. Why don’t you go to bed and sleep the rest of the night away? You’ll be quite safe in here.’

‘I doubt if I will close my eyes for a single moment,’ she replied. ‘But go and do what you must. I shall worry about you until we meet again.’

He kissed her once more, and then opened the door. Rain lashed in and they had to handle the door together to get it closed, Beth throwing her weight against it and Adam dragging at it from the outside. Beth locked and bolted it. She peered from a window to catch a last glimpse of Adam, but saw nothing and returned to her father’s room.

Beth’s vigil continued through the long night, and when dawn finally came she was standing at the window of her father’s room, gazing out across the cliffs at the stormy sea.

A knock at the door aroused Beth from her reverie. She sighed heavily, crossed the room to look at her father, who was still asleep, or unconscious, and then tip-toed to answer the door. She was surprised to see the doctor standing behind Rose, the housemaid.

‘How is he this morning?’ Lampard demanded, bustling into the room.

Beth explained, and stood while the doctor examined Henry Farrell.

‘So he awoke just that once, eh?’ Lampard asked.

Beth nodded. She was feeling completely drained of emotion, and tiredness lay heavily upon her, making her feel listless and dull. She gazed at the doctor, who was looking at her keenly.

‘I take it that you have been awake all night,’ he said.

Beth nodded, gaunt by her lack of sleep.

‘Then I suggest you take yourself off to bed and get your rest. Your father will be quite all right lying here. If he wakes he’ll soon let you know. Rose can look in on him at regular intervals. Eat a good breakfast, Beth, and then go to bed. You’ll need to be well rested when Henry recovers.’

‘I’ll do that,’ Beth agreed. ‘But are you sure there’s nothing you can do for Father?’

‘Nothing at all. I must be on my way, my dear. I’ll call in again tomorrow morning. Of course, you must let me know immediately if your father’s condition changes in any way.’

Beth followed Lampard downstairs and saw him out. The gale seemed to have abated somewhat, but was still raging violently, buffeting the good doctor as he rode away. Returning to the sanctuary of the house, she was keenly aware of the solitude surrounding her.

After eating a meagre breakfast, she instructed Rose in the matter of attending her father, then went wearily to her bed. Certain that she would be unable to sleep, she did so the instant her head touched the pillow, although it seemed but a moment had passed before Rose was shaking her awake.

‘Miss Beth, I’m sorry to wake you, but Captain Traherne is here to see you. He’s waiting in the library.’

‘How is my father?’

Beth slipped out of bed and began to dress.

‘What is the time? Have I slept long?’

‘It’s past eleven, miss. You’ve been asleep about four hours. I’ve been watching the master, and there’s no change in his condition.’

‘Go back to the captain and inform him I’ll be down shortly.’

Beth was excited by Adam’s return, and hastened with her toilette. She dressed in a dark blue gown, tidied her hair, then hurried downstairs to the library. She paused on the threshold of the room and stared at Jeremy Traherne, who was seated by the tall window. Adam’s father rose at her entrance and bowed gracefully.

‘I’m sorry to disturb you at this time but I need to talk to your father. I wasn’t happy with my conversation yesterday with Henry, and I need to press him further.’

He paused and studied her gaunt features.

‘Is something wrong? You look as if you’ve suffered a bad shock.’

‘I thought Adam was here,’ Beth responded.

‘I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. Adam had to return to Falmouth to safeguard
Seagull
.’

Aware that Adam had not taken his father into his confidence, Beth remained silent on the subject.

‘Are you aware that my father suffered a fall from his horse yesterday and now lies unconscious in his bed?’ she asked.

‘No.’

He sat down quickly and gazed at Beth in shock.

‘Do you mean to say that he went riding in that bad weather? Surely that was asking for trouble. Has the doctor seen him?’

‘Twice, and Lampard says there is nothing to be done for him. We can only wait for him to recover his senses.’

‘And you are alone in the house? Where is your brother?’

‘He went into town yesterday and hasn’t returned.’

‘This is a pretty kettle of fish. Are you aware that there is a plot afoot to ruin the Trahernes? Adam reckons Jonah Peake is behind it.’

‘I suspect that Peake instigates much of the trouble around here,’ Beth responded.

‘Has your father had trouble with Peake? I gained the impression yesterday that he is greatly perturbed over some matter, but he would not take me into his confidence. I beg of you, Beth, if you know anything at all then tell me about it. We are going to put an end to the plotting and scheming that’s going on. I haven’t forgotten that our brigantine,
Sea
Rover
, was wrecked last winter with the loss of all hands, and her cargo taken by the wreckers.’

‘I remember it, too.’

Beth sat down opposite Jeremy, and he leaned forward and studied her brooding face, his countenance wearing a ferocious expression.

‘Methinks you are more worried than your father, and by more than his condition. You are coming into my family, Beth, so if you have any problems at all then share them with me. I have heard rumours that Henry is in debt to Peake. Is that what is troubling you? I hasten to assure you that anything you tell me will be in the strictest confidence.’

‘I cannot say anything while my father lies unconscious,’ Beth replied.

‘So something is afoot!’ Jeremy nodded. ‘I knew it!’

Beth sighed.

‘And Father may not come back to his senses in the near future,’ she mused.

She hesitated, but such was the degree of her worry that she felt inclined to unburden herself by confiding in her future father-in-law.

‘Tell me,’ Traherne urged. ‘If it has to do with Peake I need to know.’

Beth explained the situation that existed at the manor, speaking hesitantly at first, then warming to the task. Jeremy heard her out in silence, his eyes glinting as she laid bare the bones of Jonah Peake’s cruel plot.

‘So Father is ruined financially, but Peake will forgo the debt if I agree to marry him!’ Beth ended.

Traherne cursed and got to his feet, stalking around the room, his countenance dark with anger. Beth watched him, filled with trepidation. But when he returned and gazed down at her, he had reined his equanimity.

‘I think we have a chance here,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘Peake is prepared to take you into his house, and that would give you ample opportunity to spy on him. Once we know his plans we could trap him and bring him to justice.’

Beth was horrified, and shook her head emphatically.

‘I couldn’t possibly do that,’ she said hastily. ‘Adam and I are to be married soon. What would he say if I agreed to marry Peake?’

‘I am only concerned about the situation that has arisen. I know Jonah Peake well, and I am aware of his capabilities. He runs the smuggling in this area, that I do know, and if Adam sets out to fight Peake then he could come off second best, which would mean his death, or, in the very least, a long term in prison. If you love Adam, Beth, then you’ll do what you can to help in this fight against Peake’s tyranny.’

Beth shivered, for the captain’s stark words filled her mind with frightening images. She was certain that Peake was capable of anything. He had already ruined her father, and Adam would pitch into fighting him without a second thought. But the odds were stacked against Adam, and if she could do anything to reduce those odds against the man she loved then she should have no hesitation in playing her part.

‘I’ll think about it,’ she said hesitantly. ‘But if Adam learned of my father’s predicament and the situation I am facing, he would fly off the handle without thought, which is what we need to avoid.’

‘Adam is away now, and will be for some time. You could get in with Peake without delay, and by the time Adam returns we could have the evidence we need to take care of Peake.’

‘You make it sound so straightforward. Others have tried to bring Peake to justice and paid with their lives for being so foolhardy.’

Jeremy shook his head.

‘You’d better have a good, long think about it, my girl, and forget your personal opinions. Agree to go to Peake and find out what you can. We’ll act as soon as we get firm evidence. Now I must be going. There is much to be done, and I’ve already started laying my plans. I hope I learn soon that you have gone to Peake. Adam will be proud of you if we manage to succeed.’

Beth followed the old mariner to the front door and stood watching his departure. He mounted his powerful brown horse and rode off quickly in the direction of Polgarron. When he had vanished into the murk of the storm, Beth returned to her father’s room. She could not imagine that there was any way she could overcome the menace of Jonah Peake.