Where Seagulls Soar (34 page)

He was surprised to find his sister wasn’t at home, for she would have felt it, too.

‘She went to visit your mother, earlier,’ David told him.

‘On foot?’

‘Hiram took her on the donkey cart. Tilda was going to walk back. She said she needed the exercise.’ David gazed at the clock and a frown wrinkled his brow. ‘It’s getting
late and I thought she would be home by now. I’d better go and look for her, though she’s probably stopped to talk.’ David smiled, his expression one of innocent pleasure.
‘I’m so pleased this reunion has happened. I’ve been trying to reunite them for a long time. Your mother has nobody, and Tilda needs a female to confide in. Who better than her
mother.’

‘Tilda has Joanna. I know you meant well, David, but you should have left things well alone. My mother brought her isolation on herself. She’s a predator, always has been.’
Leonard sighed as he pulled on his coat. ‘I’ll go to look for her. It’s a long way from Southwell in the dark, and I know this island like the back of my hand.’ He exchanged
a glance with his wife. ‘Kirsty, perhaps you’d start on the dinner.’

‘Be careful, Lenny,’ she said.

‘Don’t you fret, my love. I’ll mind myself.’

‘Mind yourself ?’ David gazed from one to the other, puzzled. ‘I don’t understand.’

‘Neither do I yet, but the streets are much too quiet, so something’s afoot. If I were you, I’d stay inside. The islanders don’t take kindly to Kimberlins meddlin’
in their business.’

Leonard was just in time to join the four men as they strode past. The only one he hadn’t met before was Edward. He nodded when he was introduced. He’d seen the
Joanna Rose
in the harbour, and guessed this was her master. The four men had a sense of camaraderie and purpose about them.

‘Is there any news of young Toby?’

Seth Adams did the speaking. ‘You haven’t heard?’

‘Would I need to ask if I had? I’ve brought the family across to have dinner with the Linds, and I’m going to pick Tilda up from visiting our mother. What’s going on?
Something is. The boy’s all right, isn’t he?’

The quartet stopped to gather round him. Seth said, ‘Did you say that Mrs Lind had gone to visit your mother?’

Leonard felt the menace in the men, and his blood ran cold. ‘Is someone going to tell me what’s going on?’

‘Brian Rushmore . . . your brother has escaped from prison. We believe he abducted Joanna Morcant’s child on behalf of Lord Durrington and is holding the boy at your mother’s
cottage.’

Edward Staines took Leonard by the lapels of his jacket and shook him. ‘Tilda is Joanna’s friend. Is she involved in the abduction, too?’

Thaddeus placed a restraining hand on his arm. ‘Nay, let him be, Edward. Tilda has no liking for Brian Rushmore, and she wouldn’t do anything to harm young Toby.’

Leonard spat out, ‘If Tilda falls foul of Brian, it’ll be the worst for her. That bleddy cleric is a fool. Of all the stupid ideas, sending Tilda out into danger.’

‘He wouldn’t have known your brother was there.’

Leonard shook himself free of Edward’s grasp. ‘Follow me. Harry Cullins’s old sailing lerret is beached down at the bottom of the hill. She lets in the water a bit, but
she’ll take us up round the West Bay in a hurry if we hug the beach. Mr Adams, perhaps you’d tell me everything that’s happened, on the way.

What Leonard heard only added to his unease.

Seth said, ‘Tell me the layout of the cottage.’

‘’Tis small. The front door is reached by a path from the road. It opens straight into the living room, which is about four strides across. On the facing wall, two doors side by side
lead into the bedrooms. To the right there’s an alcove with shelves, it’s used for cooking in. To the left is a coal shed and storage space.’

‘Which room does your mother use?’

‘The one on the left.’

‘The back door is situated where?’

‘Through the coal shed. The lock’s loose and a well-placed boot should open it.’

‘Good.’ A few more questions and Seth knew how much furniture there was, and where it was positioned.

It was a risky business, sailing round the curving line of the shore, especially where the quarry spoil tumbled down over the cliffs into the water, but Leonard knew exactly what he was
doing.

The five men were soon dragging the lerret up on to a small strip of beach. Leonard tied the boat to a rock by a long rope, so she wouldn’t go under, or float away when the tide covered
the strip of beach.

Not that it mattered, since Harry Cullins had died six months previously, and he wouldn’t miss the boat. Leonard leaned the boat hook against a stone block at the top of the path, so he
could pull the lerret in when needed.

The lower lighthouse had come into view. The thin tower had a pavilion-like lantern house on the top that gave it a slightly exotic appearance; in clear weather it was capable of sending a beam
across the dark sea for eighteen miles.

Tonight, the beam disappeared into the horizon. It was fuelled by six Argand lamps, their light concentrated by lantern windows that had been specially designed by Thomas Rogers. Set in copper
frames, they were separated by six glass panels.

Above them, the moon sailed in a clear sky, and was surrounded by a wide, incandescent ring.

‘There’s some frost on the way,’ Thaddeus said knowledgeably as he followed Leonard up a winding path through the scrub to the top.

‘Thaddeus’s bunions must be aching,’ Oliver whispered loudly to Edward, and he received an elbow in the ribs for his trouble.

Over a rise and slightly below them there was a cottage, its windows dimly lit by a low-burning lamp.

There was no sound, except the low eerie sough of the wind through the rock-strewn grass.

The five men stopped, and Seth took out his pistol. ‘Perhaps you’d all spread out in case he tries to escape with the boy. I’m going to the window to have a look. Remember, the
aim is to rescue Toby and Mrs Lind and get them to safety. That’s all.’

‘I’ll back you up,’ Leonard said. ‘Brian might listen to reason from me.’ But he sounded doubtful.

Nobody bothered to question the role of leadership Seth had taken upon himself. But just as they were about to move off, a horse and cart came into view, carrying Lord Durrington and Bisley. It
was being driven at a reckless speed by Bisley, who brought it to a halt in a cloud of gravel dust. The horse gave a shrill whinny of complaint at its treatment, and the light in the cottage was
dimmed.

Seth swore. ‘I won’t be able to reach the cottage before them, and Rushmore will be keeping watch at the window. As soon as they go inside I’m going to try and gain entrance
through one of the bedrooms.’

The pair thumped on the door, then disappeared inside. The light flared again.

Oliver cracked his knuckles. ‘I’ll cause a diversion.’

There was a string of flares bobbing in the distance. So that’s what the islanders had been up to, Leonard thought. They were going to run Brian into a corner and trap him like a rat.

‘I don’t think you’ll need to. Look.’

Just then, Joanna came tearing up the path, her skirts tied to one side. Seth could almost hear the harshness of her breathing. She disappeared around the back of the cottage.

‘Damn woman,’ Seth said with heartfelt annoyance and, bending double, he set off at a trot.

When he caught up with Joanna she had her back to him. One ear was pressed against the boarded-up window. He grasped her around the waist with one arm while he pressed his hand over her
mouth.

She froze for just a second, then heeled him in the shin and sank her teeth into the fleshy part of his palm.

‘It’s me,’ he hissed, trying not to yell.

She released him, planted a kiss on the pain she’d caused him, then turned in his arms and hugged him tight. Her heart beat fast against his own.

‘You fool, Seth Adams. You gave me such a damned fright. Tilda is on the other side of those boards. I think Toby’s with her, I heard him.’ Pain and longing filled her voice.
‘I can’t bear it that he’s so near to me and I can’t hold him. Can we pull the boards off the window and get them out?’

Setting her aside, Seth tested his strength against the boards and found that they held fast. ‘It would take too long, and make too much noise.’

From the other side of the window, Tilda shouted, ‘No, you can’t take Toby—’

Joanna let out a sobbing breath at the sudden cry of pain Tilda gave, which was followed by silence. Her hand went to her mouth. ‘Oh God! What have they done to her?’

‘I’m going in.’ Locating the back door, Seth threw caution to the winds and heeled it open. It smashed back against the wall. He leaped over the coal rattling underfoot,
palming his pistol.

Inside, the light was suddenly extinguished. Seth flattened himself into the nearest shadow, hoping Joanna would have the sense to stay outside. He could make out the outline of Durrington, the
child in his arms. Toby was screaming with fear. Of Bisley there was no sign.

Brian Rushmore was creeping across the floor towards the door. Seth put his pistol away, he couldn’t risk hitting the child.

A commotion erupted outside, momentarily distracting Brian. But as Seth threw himself across the room to tackle him, Bisley rose up from the floor and hit him in the gut with something hard.
Seth doubled up, badly winded. The next moment the three men were out of the door.

Seth staggered out after them. Outside the cottage, a fight was going on. Leonard and the three captains were exchanging blows and insults with the four drunks from Weymouth. The seamen seemed
to be having the most success.

The line of flares was about a hundred yards away and closing in fast. They’d begun to chant. ‘
Brian Rushmore
. . .
Brian Rushmore
. . .’

Brian gave the line a panicky look.

Going in fast, Seth managed to snatch the child from Durrington’s arms. Instinct made him leap back, just as Bisley slashed out with his knife. Blood flowed warmly under Seth’s coat.
Durrington produced a pistol, shooting over his shoulder as they left.

Crouching low, Seth zigzagged through the darkness, soothing the child, whose screams gradually quieted to a whimper. ‘Papa,’ he whispered, and clung tighter to him.

Seth coughed to clear the lump in his throat. ‘That’s right,Toby lad. You’re safe now.’ Returning to the cottage with his prize, Seth found Joanna in the bedroom.

He stood in the doorway, unnoticed, savouring the moment when she’d look up and discover what he’d brought her.

Tilda looked dazed; blood seeped from under her hair and trickled down her face. ‘I tried to stop him from taking Toby, but he hit me on the head with his stick. I’m so sorry,
Joanna.’

There were tears running down Joanna’s cheeks. ‘My poor little Toby. What he must be going through.’

At the sound of his mother’s voice Toby shouted joyfully, ‘Mama! Want Mama.’

‘You’ve got her,’ Seth said.

Joanna’s head jerked up. ‘Toby?’ She plucked her son from Seth’s arms and held him tight, tears pouring down her face as she laughed and cried at the same time. ‘My
darling love. I’ve missed you so much. But how feverish you are.’ She gazed up at her son’s rescuer, her eyes shining despite the worry in them. ‘Thank you so much, Seth.
I’m truly indebted to you.’

To have her look at him with such adoration in her expression wasn’t too hard to take. Seth knew he was full of reckless pride, pumped up with the successful outcome of what could easily
have been a disaster. He should take Joanna to task for placing herself in danger, but he didn’t have the heart. ‘That you’re not.’ He gazed at Tilda. ‘Are you badly
injured, Mrs Lind?’

She managed to smile at him while Joanna fussed over her son, but the fright in this gentle young woman’s eyes was still dark inside her. ‘I’ve survived worse.’

He kissed her cheek. ‘You’re a brave woman, Tilda, and it’s been a privilege to meet you. I’m going off now, to watch those three felons captured by the islanders. I
might as well be in on the finish. Stay here and rest until I get back, then I’ll escort you both home. We might have to make a statement if they’re to be charged.’

The two women exchanged a glance, and a faint smile, as if they knew something he didn’t.

Leonard had finished with his Weymouth troublemaker, who was now staggering off back in the direction he’d come from. He was to one side of the line of islanders,
who’d begun to pick up speed now their quarry had been spotted.

The flares curved around the hillside like the pincers of a crab, and were closing in on the fugitive. It was one of their own they were after, not the Kimberlins – the Rushmore
who’d gone bad and who’d brought disgrace down on the heads of the islanders.

No Weymouth men, however just their cause, were going to come between them and their purpose, though it was rare for Portlanders to turn on one of their own.

Up ahead, Lord Durrington was beginning to tire. He was an old man, not used to such rough terrain. Bisley had him by the arm and was half pulling him along, swearing at his slowness. ‘Get
a move on, would you? Damn that poxy brat. I’ve pandered to your every wish. I’ve lied, cheated and killed for you. I’m your son. If you think you’re going to change your
will in favour of that by-blow and give him what I’m entitled to inherit, think again. I knew the brat would be more trouble than he was worth. If I ever see him again I’m going to cut
his throat. Yours as well if you don’t give me my due.’

Charles Durrington knew what Bisley was capable of. He believed him. He’d not expected the affair to turn out as badly as it had. As soon as he got back to the
Joanna Rose
he’d order the captain to set sail for Ireland, where he could lie low for a while.

Brian turned to see how much ground they’d made up. Spotting Leonard in hot pursuit, he shouted out in panic, ‘You’re my soddin’ brother. Help me.’

Help Brian? Leonard thought. After what he’d done to Joanna and Tilda. Brian had brought down shame on the Rushmore name. The islanders had had enough of him, and were driving him into the
sea because of it. Leonard wasn’t about to get in their way when he had a wife and children to support. But the islanders seemed in no hurry to catch up with their prey.