A Tale Of Two Sisters
Lucinda’s ship was lost. Was their any chance Millicent’s sister could still be alive?
MILLICENT felt faint. Her cheeks burned and she tried to remove her hand from Stanley’s grasp – to no avail.
She was attempting to break free when out of nowhere he was yanked to his feet and she was mercifully released.
She looked up to see Reginald, his features etched with fury, holding Mr Thursford by the lapels and hissing something into his startled face.
He let go, though it seemed to cost him a great deal of self control, and Mr Thursford scuttled towards the exit, his head bowed.
Millicent took a few steadying breaths. Her heart was pounding.
She wasn’t sure if that was due to her ordeal or the manner of her rescue.
As she looked into Reginald’s face, she felt an unprecedented wave of emotion.
He showed such consideration for her and was such an intelligent and interesting man. She had never met anyone like him.
She swallowed and clenched her gloved hands.
“I hope you don’t mind my intervention,” Reginald said.
“I couldn’t bear that fellow manhandling you in such a despicable fashion.”
Reginald seated himself beside her at a respectable distance, and the sheepish look on his face brought a smile to her own.
“I am very grateful.” She blushed crimson. “A most unpleasant incident.” He looked relieved. “I could see how unhappy
you were and I . . .” He hesitated and his gaze swept her face. “Would you like some air?”
Millicent nodded. She still felt shocked and not at all herself.
He rose and offered his arm. She took it gratefully and leaned upon him as they walked to the door.
“I am sorry that your evening has been spoiled in such a wretched manner,” he said, “but I do not think you will be hearing from Mr Thursford again.”
A look of grim satisfaction crossed his face and Millicent wondered what had been said.
She found she did not much care, if it had removed Stanley Thursford from her life.
Again she felt a powerful wave of gratitude towards Reginald and, to her surprise, something more.
Outside in the fresh air, with Mr Fenton beside her, Millicent immediately began to recover.
It was a crisp night. The trees carved fantastic shapes across the dark sky and leaves crunched beneath their feet.
A white moon shone out of the heavens and infinitesimal dots of light pierced the firmament.
“I shall be myself again directly,” she assured Reginald. “I am not much given to faintness or vapours.”
“I can well believe it,” he responded with a grin. “You are a remarkable woman.”
He gave her such a warm look that, for a moment, hope rose in her breast.
How had she come to care for him? She’d only ever wanted an academic career.
“Millie, I’m sorry. Are you all right?” Violet had dashed outside, followed by Oliver. “I promised not to leave you. Forgive me.”
Millicent took her friend’s hand.
“I am quite all right, Violet. Pray, do not alarm yourself.”
“We knew he was persistent, but I never imagined . . .”
“It’s my fault.” Oliver looked mortified. “It was I who dragged Violet away. I am most dreadfully sorry.”
Millicent looked around at her friends’ anxious faces and smiled.
“You are all very kind, but no-one is to blame except Mr Thursford, and Reginald dealt with him very ably.
“I am perfectly well. Indeed, it is becoming a little chilly. Shall we go back inside?”
As they re-entered the room, Millicent suddenly felt hungry and her eyes strayed towards the buffet, set out on the other side of the room.
Oliver followed her gaze and his eyes lit up.
“Food – an excellent idea, Millicent! I’m absolutely famished.”
Reginald burst out laughing.
“That doesn’t surprise me one bit. Please be seated, ladies.
“Oliver and I will bring you some of the delicacies on offer, and perhaps a glass of brandy?”
He glanced at Millicent, who nodded gratefully. Food and a warming drink was exactly what she needed.
She and Violet crossed to some unoccupied chairs close to the fireplace and made themselves comfortable.
Violet sighed.
“I believe we shall have a much more pleasant evening now all that is over,” she remarked.
“Indeed.” Millicent’s response was heartfelt.
She was very glad to see the back of Mr Thursford. Now she could relax and enjoy a wonderful time with her friends, as she had originally hoped.
The gentlemen soon returned, their hands laden with goodies, and everyone tucked into cold chicken and delicate pastries.
A most fascinating discussion on the lecture ensued, then Reginald told them more about his visit home.
Millicent was interested to learn about his three brothers.
He spoke warmly of Harry and Charles, and she thought his feelings did him credit.
There was no mention of his young lady, and she had no idea what to read into this, if anything at all.
Every now and then she glanced up at him. More often that not, he was already looking at her.
The expression in his own eyes made her feel wobbly. Perhaps an academic career might not be the only thing she wanted in life, after all.
What an evening of shocks and revelations it had been!
****
Alice had done a good job of avoiding Jenkin over their last days in Paris.
After the conversation she had overheard, she could barely raise her head to look him in the face.
Why could she not have remained indifferent? Then at least her shame would have been easier to bear.
She looked out of the window. The cobbled Paris street was busy this morning and a cold wind was blowing leaves from the avenue of trees.
A couple strolled by: the woman in a striped dress, cape and large flowered hat, the gentleman with a cane and moustache.
A young girl was playing with a cup and ball, and a horse clip-clopped its way along the road, carrying an elegant gentleman.
Alice tried to focus on the task in hand. She was sure she had put Miss Lucinda’s muff in the tall dresser.
There it was. She turned to go and started in horror as Jenkin knocked and entered the room.
“Miss Lucinda is in the salon,” she told him, staring at the rug.
“I know, Alice. It’s you I have come to talk to.” She shook her head.
“I am sure you have nothing to say to me, and I must hurry down directly.”
“Please. This won’t take long,” Jenkin persisted.
He was blocking the doorway and Alice didn’t know what to do. She remained in silence, twisting her hands and staring at her feet. Jenkin came closer. “I wanted to tell you how I feel about you,” he said. “Before we go back home.” Alice swallowed.
“I think you must know that I have liked you for a long time. That I am in love with you.”
She glanced up at him
What an evening of shocks and revelations it had been!
and saw what she thought was anxiety and pity on his face. Her stomach jolted.
“Alice, nothing would make me happier than if you would agree to step out with me and be my girl.”
Jenkin moved towards her, but Alice retreated and he paused.
She forced herself to look at him. He was a handsome young man in his livery, with polished buttons and gleaming shoes.
How she wished things were different – that she could fall into his arms and accept his offer. But she would not take a man acting from pity on the orders of his mistress.
She swallowed and took a deep breath.
“I thank you for your kindness,” she told him, “but I must decline.”
“Why? Do you not care for me?”
He looked hurt, but she shook her head.
“I appreciate your goodness, but as you are aware, I am not in a position to . . .” She turned scarlet, her cheeks flaming.
“I’m very grateful, but it’s impossible,” she went on, then fled from the room.
She dashed for the staircase, tears streaming down her cheeks.
She was a fallen woman; he could not possibly want her. He must be following Miss Lucinda’s orders.
She would not accept a man who would take her only from pity.
By the time Alice reached the bottom, she was out of breath and her face was red and wet.
She caught sight of
her mistress talking to Mr Emile Lacroix inside the salon.
She leaned against the wall and searched for her hanky, trying to get herself under control.
She closed her eyes.
In the background she could hear their voices on the other side of the wall, a soothing rise and fall.
Then, in spite of everything, her ears pricked up.
It seemed that today was the day for declarations.
“I don’t want you to say anything.” Mr Lacroix’s voice was tender and low.
“I would not be speaking at all in the circumstances, were you not leaving tomorrow.
“I know how much you have been through, and how hurt and shocked you must be. You will not be thinking of anyone else for a long time.”
Her mistress didn’t answer.
“I wish to tell you how much I admire you and how much I have enjoyed your company.
“All I ask is for the opportunity, in time, for us to get to know one another.
“You are under no obligation, but would you permit me to visit you in England?” he continued.
There was no answer and Alice held her breath.
She liked Mr Lacroix. He seemed to do her mistress good and he was a real gentleman.
She waited, but still there was silence. However, Miss Lucinda must have signalled her assent.
“Thank you,” he said a moment later, his voice full of happiness.
It brought a smile to Alice’s lips. She was pleased for Miss Lucinda.
In time, her heart would heal and maybe there would then be room for this charming French gentleman instead.
Alice had been gone for too long. She took a hold of herself, picked up the muff and entered the salon.
****
The storm was violent. Wind and rain lashed their bodies and the waves rose and fell with sickening force, battering the ship and, at times, surmounting the parapet.
Alice was soaked to the skin, her hair plastered to her round face.
She had wanted to keep her mistress below, but Jenkin and Rawson had cautioned against it.
They had said nothing, but she had seen the looks they exchanged and feared the ship was in danger.
She looked around desperately, but all she could see was the grey sky, rent now and then by a streak of lightning, and the darker waters churning and tossing them around like a toy.
There was no land in sight.
Her mistress had never looked so dishevelled. Her hat had long since blown away and her long hair had worked loose.
She had tied it in a simple knot to stop it flying wildly. She was shivering and sick and Alice was worried for her.
At least tending to Miss Lucinda gave her thoughts some welcome direction away from their imminent peril.
It was hard to be heard above the roar of wind and water, and Alice had lapsed into silence, offering up prayers internally as she rubbed her mistress’s back and held her hand.
The two manservants stood to one side, deep in conversation.
They were shouting at each other, but their words were whipped away and Alice had no idea what they were saying.
Every now and then they pointed to the side of the boat or at the horizon.
Alice began to pace in a futile attempt to calm her fears.
It was then it happened. A craggy rock reared above the surface. There was a tremendous crack, a splintering, and the boat lurched sideways.
She was flung to the deck, her heart pounding. Had her time come?
Alice’s mind flooded with images of little Thomas – sleeping sweetly in his crib, taking his first steps . . .
She wiped her eyes and tried to rise, then felt a pair of arms around her.
It was Jenkin, but she struggled to break free, looking about frantically for Miss Lucinda.
She was lifted into the air and carried towards the side of the boat, amidst shrieks of fear.
To her relief, she saw her mistress already in a lifeboat, a blanket around her and Rawson at her side.
“It will be all right, Alice. I’ve got you.” Jenkin lifted her in beside her mistress and wrapped her in a blanket.
He climbed in next to her, saying nothing but keeping his arms around her, holding her as the boat was lowered into the water, swinging precariously on its ropes.
She closed her eyes and buried her face in his shoulder.
The huge ship behind them creaked and groaned as it shifted and sank further.
People shouted and whistles were blown, but were any other vessels near enough to hear them?
She shuddered as the waves caught and tossed their tiny craft.
Miss Lucinda groaned. “Why didn’t I reply?” she said hopelessly. “Millicent might never know how sorry I am.”
Alice took her hand. “Miss Dumas wrote, and your sister knows how much you love her.” Lucinda nodded.
“As does Thomas.” She looked Alice in the eye and it was all she could do to nod in return.
Her darling boy. What if she never saw him again?
She felt Jenkin’s arms tighten around her and was grateful for their comfort and strength.
They sat silently for a time as the storm howled around them.
Water was tossed inside the boat and the men set to bailing it out.
How could they come through this? Alice closed her eyes and prayed. She felt rigid with cold and fear.
After ten more minutes, however, the worst of the storm seemed to be abating. The wind dropped and the waves were less violent.
Jenkin leaned forwards and whispered in her ear.
“Alice, if we come through this, I want to marry you. I truly love you. I don’t care about the past. I would very much like to care for a son.”
She froze. She couldn’t have heard that right. She must be delirious.
She shook her head. “Alice,” he continued. “Ain’t no-one making me do this. Miss Lucinda only told me what happened so as I could understand.
“I were set on marrying you anyway. I couldn’t be happy without you. You’re all I could ask for.”
She turned to him in amazement.
“You really want to marry me?”
“Yes, Alice. I love you.” This time she could see that what she had taken for pity and anxiety was concern for her and fear of rejection.
There was no doubting the love in his eyes.
She stared at her feet. Her heart was too full to reply, but her freezing hand stole into his and she heard him sigh with relief.
A smile lifted the corners of her lips. She couldn’t believe that someone loved her, wanted to marry her and care for Thomas.
Suddenly there was a crash of thunder and Alice looked up as an enormous wave reared its crested head high above their craft.
She began to pray.
****
It was a cold morning as Reginald and Oliver hastened out of town.
The streets were quiet, but horses’ hooves rang loudly on the cobbles and a flower-seller’s cry carried from the market.
A thin film of ice coated the river and the ground was dusted with frosted leaves.
A pale sun slanted down and their voices carried in the clear air.
Reginald felt unable
to heed any of it. He walked as swiftly as possible, eager to see Millicent once again.
Not long after, they were seated in the study with Violet, ready to begin their tutorial.
“Millicent will be here directly. She has gone to collect our post and a copy of the morning paper. May I get you a cup of tea?”
“That’s just what I need to warm me up.” Oliver grinned, but Reginald shook his head.
He did not think he could eat or drink anything until he saw Millicent’s beautiful face.
He hoped she was fully recovered from the other night’s ordeal. Confound that insufferable man!
How glad he was that he had been able to rescue her.
How he wished he could win the honour of protecting her always, but he had no idea what her feelings might be.
There was a thunder of footsteps racing along the corridor, a violent rattle of the door, then Millicent burst inside, waving a newspaper and babbling incoherently.
Her friends were startled and Reginald leaped to his feet, but Violet got there first.
“Why, Millie, whatever’s amiss? Come, sit down and take a breath.”
She led her friend to an armchair.
“Calm yourself. I’m sure all will be well. Is it bad news?”
Millicent was trembling, but she took a couple of deep breaths and tried to control herself.
“Papa is very well. It’s Lucinda.” At the mention of her beloved sister she burst into tears and thrust the morning edition towards her friend.
Reginald was horrified. How he wished he could sweep her into his arms and comfort her. What on earth could be wrong?
“The Neptune – that is the ship on which Lucinda was returning home, is it not?” Violet asked as she scanned the front page.
Millicent nodded.
“It is.” She sobbed. “It has gone down. Many lives have been lost. What if Lucinda . . .?”
Violet took Millicent’s face in her hands and looked her in the eyes.
“It is alarming,” she said gently, “but do not give way to despair.
“It says here that there are survivors recovering on Guernsey. Perhaps Lucinda is one of them.”
Reginald was aghast. How he hoped Lucinda was safe. He knew that Millicent was close to her younger sister and loved her dearly.
He thought of his bond with his own brothers and his face was grave.
Violet held Millicent and spoke soothingly. After a time, her weeping ceased.
Millicent pulled back and reached for her handkerchief.
“I am sorry,” she said, wiping her eyes. “I am so afraid and I do not know what to do.”
“That is quite all right,” Reginald murmured, finding the words quite insufficient for his feelings.
“Drink this and have a piece of toast.” Oliver passed her a cup and plate and Violet took them for her.
“Oliver is right. You must eat something and drink some sweet tea.
“You will be no use to Lucinda or your father if you don’t take care of yourself.”
To Reginald’s relief, Millicent nodded and tried to sip her tea. When she was calmer, they discussed the situation.
“Are you certain that this article refers to Lucinda’s ship?” he asked her.
“Yes. Mademoiselle Thérèse Dumas wrote to apprise me of Lucy’s return and to tell me all that has happened in France.
“My poor sister; what a dreadful time she has had of it.”
“Indeed she has,” Violet agreed.
“However, she has made good friends during her stay in Paris, and she is no longer duped by this Mr Markington. All may yet be well.”
“I pray so, but I cannot sit here waiting for news. I shall go to Guernsey.
“I must find Lucinda – I have to know if she is alive!” Millicent cried.
“You cannot go alone,” Violet returned. “I shall come with you.”
“Oh, Violet, I do not wish to impose or to drag you away from your studies.”
“I am determined.” Her friend grinned. Millicent hugged her. “Thank you. You are the most wonderful friend.” Violet shrugged.
“I shall enjoy the adventure.”
“And so will I.” Reginald rose to his feet, determined to support Millicent in any way possible.
He could not witness such distress and remain inactive.
“You will need an escort, and Oliver and I would be delighted to come with you, wouldn’t we, Oliver?”
His friend nodded. Reginald moved towards her.
“Do not give up hope. It is possible that your sister is safe.
“We shall procure a carriage and be back within the hour. Will that give you time to pack?”
“More than enough.” Millicent regarded him gratefully and his heart leaped.
He could tell she was eager to be off and he would do all he could to facilitate her search.
Whatever happened, he would be there by her side.
He’d never experienced such love as this, and he would do everything in his power to make her happy.
****
The carriage journey to the coast and subsequent voyage across the Channel felt like it had taken weeks.
On arrival, Millicent had wanted to hunt for Lucinda the moment her feet touched solid ground.
Her friends, however, insisted that they all check into the hotel and refresh themselves before venturing any further.
Whilst the ladies freshened up and took luncheon, the gentlemen sent out enquiries as to the whereabouts of the shipwreck survivors.
It soon became apparent that half the passengers had reached safety, thanks to the assistance of the good people of Guernsey.
They were being cared for in another hotel and in the town hall of St Peter Port.
However, when Millicent stood on the threshold of the drawing-room in Grover’s Hotel, she wished to go no further.
What if her sister could not be found there?
She shuddered and stopped in her tracks.
“Millicent, are you all right? Are you able to go on?
“Allow me.” Reginald stepped forward and offered his arm and they entered the room together.
Millicent’s heart pounded in her chest and her stomach did somersaults.
She looked frantically around the crowded space.
Where was Lucinda? Her aching eyes could not see her and she began to panic.
Reginald’s hand covered hers but she hardly noticed. She took another step into the room.
Then she heard a squeal and her sister was racing towards her.
Millicent clasped her in her arms.
Tears flowed down her cheeks, then she stepped back and looked into Lucinda’s face.
“Is it really you?” Millicent laughed through her tears. “Are you hurt?”
“I am quite well, Millicent, and, now you are here, perfectly content.”
The two embraced again, laughing and crying, until Millicent collected herself and introduced her sister to her friends.
When the excitement finally died down, Reginald found them a table in the dining-room where they could sit and catch up on all that had happened.
“I am sorry for everything, Lucinda. I regret speaking to Father behind your back. Will you forgive me?” Lucinda shook her head. “Oh, Millicent, there is
nothing to forgive. You were right about Herbert.” Her eyes filled with tears.
“I only ever wanted your happiness.”
Lucinda nodded.
“I know that now. Oh, how good it is to see you again.”
The sisters clasped hands and smiled at one another.
“My travels have not been all bad,” Lucinda continued.
“Alice has been wonderful, as I shall explain later, and she is to be married to Jenkin Slater, which makes me very happy.
“I made some wonderful new friends, Thérèse and Emile.” She coloured slightly.
“They are involved with the women’s movement in France and their ideas are fascinating.”
Millicent was delighted to see her sister’s face alive with enthusiasm.
“I hope to set up a similar group once I am home and to campaign for a school in the village,” Lucinda added.
“What a wonderful idea!” Millicent was delighted.
She knew, in time, her sister would heal and, with noble pursuits, all the more quickly.
“And you, Millicent. I believe you have enjoyed your time in Oxford?”
“Very much. The work is fascinating and I have such wonderful friends. I owe them a great deal.”
“I can see.” Lucinda looked around at Violet, Reginald and Oliver.
“It is a pleasure to meet you all.”
“We are delighted to meet you, too,” Violet replied. “Millicent has told us so many things about you.
“I am quite envious, for I have no sister of my own.
“I hope you will allow me to be a benefactor of your school once it is set up.
“It sounds a most noble venture,” she added.
A smile of delight lit Lucinda’s eyes.
“Why, thank you, Miss Penningly. How marvellous that would be.”
Millicent was thrilled. What a wonderful day
– her sister was safe, with new purpose in life, and she was in the company of her dear friends.
She felt more at peace than she had for weeks.
She became aware of Lucinda looking from herself to Reginald, a smile on her lips, so she turned towards him, wondering what was going on.
Millicent had been conscious of his eyes on her through much of the day and now she saw such an expression of warmth that she felt colour creeping into her cheeks.
“You must tell me how you gentlemen became acquainted with the ladies,” Lucinda urged.
“I believed the hall to be a women’s college.” Reginald grinned. “You are correct, but we have the great fortune to be mentors to these two highly intelligent students.”
“I believe you did not think so at the outset.” Millicent couldn’t resist teasing Reginald.
He shook his head.
“I was unpardonable,” he replied so earnestly that it took her by surprise.
“My opinion of your abilities could not be higher.
“I have never esteemed a woman so greatly.”
Millicent heard Oliver cough, and out of the corner of her eye she saw Violet’s eyebrows rising heavenwards, but she could not tear her gaze away from his.
“And I love you.” He clearly could not help himself, despite the assembled company.
His concern for her had been so great over the preceding days that his feelings spilled out in spite of himself.
“But Miss Grantham . . .” Millicent spluttered.
“I wrote to her many weeks ago now.
“Millicent, I love you. Please say you will be my wife.”
Millicent swallowed, then a smile spread across her face and she nodded joyfully as Reginald swept her into his arms and kissed her, to the applause of all their friends.
The End.