A Cornish Maid Read online

  “Yes, but remember to stay on the fence and not go into the field. I have to go in. Behave yourselves boys or you will be confined to your bedroom.”

  She was incensed, not with the boys but with the horse’s master. As the owner of a dangerous animal he’d had a duty to inform her so she could take due precautions for the safety of her siblings.

  She stumbled as one unlaced boot came off. Without thinking, she kicked the other off as well. With her person liberally covered with sand and her hair in disarray, she marched through the kitchen and straight to the drawing room to confront Mr. Fairfield.

  Chapter Three

  Lucas was impatient to see the girl who was to be his hostess for the next few weeks. He stood at the drawing room window expectantly; he was not disappointed. Demelza Tregorran emerged from between the gorse bushes with her glorious black hair tumbling around her shoulders and her skirt hitched up, showing delectable ankles. Even from this distance she looked lovely.

  He had been perfectly comfortable at the village inn, but when his subtle questioning had divulged the parlous state of the girl’s finances he had decided to transfer to Tregorran House and use some of his unwanted wealth to improve her situation. He certainly didn’t want to spend it on himself. He thrust these unwelcome memories aside. Better not to think about the tragic fire that had killed his brother, sister-in-law and their two sons.

  This chamber was of good proportions, however, the furniture and curtains were shabby and there were patches of damp on the walls. Tregorran House had once been an impressive dwelling. Smiling slightly, he watched the girl take her sister’s hand and run gracefully across the grass. She vanished from sight around the side of the house just as the rattle of crockery on a tray heralded the arrival of the promised coffee.

  The maid staggered in and carefully placed the tray on a handsome mahogany table. “Cook thought as you might be a bit peckish, sir, so she’s put on fresh bread, butter and conserves. There’s also fried ham and eggs. Will you be wanting anything else?”

  The girl appeared nervous. His unusual height could be intimidating, especially to Cornish folk who were somewhat smaller than others in the country. “That looks perfect. Thank you. Will Miss Tregorran be joining me for breakfast?”

  “I ain’t rightly certain, sir, she’s out the back. I reckon as she’ll be along soon.”

  His earlier irritation that his hostess had not been present to greet him had dissipated. His eagerness to be reacquainted with Miss Tregorran had made him sharp.

  There was only one cup and saucer; obviously the cook expected him to eat alone. A door slammed and he turned to greet his hostess. His smile of welcome froze as he was confronted by a furious young lady.

  “Mr. Fairfield, you neglected to tell me you owned a dangerous animal when you asked to reside here.”

  His mouth thinned and he looked down his nose at her. “I wasn’t aware that I had one. Do I take it Bruno has somehow offended you?”

  Demelza barely restrained the impulse to stamp a foot. “Of course he has. He was about to savage my little brothers. They are only six years of age — ”

  “Devil take it! I’d no idea you had such young ones living here. Bruno is perfectly amenable to adults and older children but is not reliable with — ”

  She interrupted him for a second time. “Exactly what I was telling you. Tom and Jack could have been killed. If you had warned me I could have told them to stay out of the stable yard.”

  “Thank God they weren’t injured. I should never have forgiven myself. I beg your pardon, Miss Tregorran. I shall recover my belongings and leave immediately. Consider the remuneration as compensation for almost causing injury to your siblings.”

  He was so obviously sincere her anger evaporated. “Please don’t blame yourself, sir. The boys are my responsibility and I should have made sure they were not in the stable yard. I do not wish you to leave.”

  His smile made her toes curl. “My dear Miss Tregorran, shall we agree that we are equally responsible and put the matter aside?” He gestured to the laden table. “There’s enough here for a small army. If you haven’t already broken your fast would you do me the honour of joining me?”

  Belatedly, she realised she had not stopped to check her appearance and was without her boots. Blushing an unbecoming shade of scarlet, she shook her head and began to back away. “No, thank you for asking, but I must — ”

  His grin disarmed her. “It’s far too late to be concerned about your appearance, my dear. I’m not a man to stand on ceremony. I have spent most of my life soldiering on the Peninsula. Please be seated whilst I shall ring for another cup and plate.”

  Without a by your leave, he picked up the brass bell and shook it loudly. She retreated to the far side of the table and pulled out an upright chair. Her stomach rumbled loudly and he raised an eyebrow in her direction. His eyes sparkled but he was polite enough not to comment.

  Josie appeared at the door and curtsied. He ordered what was needed and strolled over to join her. She breathed more easily once he was folded onto a chair. He poured her coffee and gestured toward the jug of cream. She nodded and he tipped a generous measure in. “Here you are. I believe your need is greater than mine. Shall I butter you some bread or would you like some of the ham and eggs?”

  “Both, please. I’m ravenous. I’ve been up since dawn gathering shellfish on the beach. I hope you like crab and mussel stew?”

  Conversation resumed when the tray was all but empty. He sat back with a contented sigh and tossed his napkin on the table. “That was delicious. Shall we take our coffee outside on the terrace? I expect you have questions and I do also.”

  How ridiculous to be ushered through the French doors as if she were a Society miss and not a simple country girl with bare feet and her hair unpinned. Preoccupied with her thoughts, Demelza failed to take care where she placed her feet and stepped onto a discarded shard of pottery.

  She could not hold back an exclamation of pain and dropped to the ground to nurse her injury. Her hands came away bloodstained. She’d done more damage then she’d realised. The next thing she knew his hands were sliding beneath her and she was in his arms.

  “I shall put you on the chaise longue. No, Miss Tregorran, you will not argue. Let me see what you’ve done.” He produced a somewhat crumpled handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped away the gore. She flinched even though his touch was feather light. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I must see if you’ve broken it.”

  She gritted her teeth and allowed him to examine her foot. Demelza was not sure why she trusted him to do so as he just told her he was an ex-soldier.

  He sat back on his heels. “I shall need to suture it, but nothing’s broken which is fortunate.”

  “You are a doctor? You don’t look like one.” His amusement made her blush anew. “I meant the only physicians of my acquaintance have been elderly.” She stared down at her foot which was neatly bandaged in his handkerchief, Her teeth clenched.

  Why is there so much blood?

  He laughed. “All doctors were young once, my dear. And I’m flattered that you consider me so. I am two and thirty, considerably older than you. Remain where you are and keep your foot elevated, I shall collect what I need from upstairs. Will there be a kettle boiling on the hearth in the kitchen ? I wish to boil my instruments.”

  “I’m sure there is. Don’t alarm my brothers and sister. I would prefer to wait until you have stitched the wound before telling them I have had an accident. I cannot imagine how I came to do so. I’m not normally a clumsy person.”

  Whilst resting on the daybed, she mulled over what she’d learnt about her house guest. She knew his age and his profession but not what he was doing in such a remote part of the country paddling about on the beach.

  With professional calm and expertise, Mr. Fairfield — or rightly he should be Dr. Fairfield — repaired the injury. The experience had been painful but not excruciating and she’d known at once she was in the hand
s of an excellent physician.

  “There, all done. You must keep off your feet today, but by tomorrow it should be safe enough to hobble about.” He put the used needle and dirty swabs into the basin. “I shall remove these and wash my hands and then return. We never got to drink our coffee. I shall ask for more to be sent in.”

  He was gone before she could call out and tell him in this house they couldn’t afford to waste such a precious commodity just because the drink was cold. The coffee must be reheated or drunk as it was. She was about to swing her feet to the floor when a stabbing pain stopped her. He was right; she had better stay where she was for the moment. The patter of footsteps outside alerted her and she quickly pulled down the hem of her skirt to cover her bandage. Serena arrived first.

  “Mr. Fairfield says you have stitches in your foot. Can I see them?”

  The twins shoved past and rushed across, eager to see. “Us too, Melza! Jack and I want to see your stitches.” Jack reached out to touch the bandage whilst his brother bounced onto the day bed.

  “No, children. You must not disturb the dressing. As I explained, your sister is perfectly well. In fact, there’s no need for you to be in here at all. You would be better playing outside now that you have seen her.”

  Three small heads turned as one and they gaped at the speaker. They weren’t used to being told what to do so firmly. Demelza bristled; this man took far too much upon himself for a complete stranger, even if he was a doctor. “As I’m perfectly well, I have no objection to them remaining with me. Perhaps you have something you might wish to be doing elsewhere?”

  Her siblings pressed closer to her. They sensed this giant in their drawing room was displeased. Serena inadvertently squashed her foot and Demelza winced. He stared at them for a second and then nodded, but instead of vanishing as she’d suggested he strode forward. “Excuse me, little ones. Your sister needs to be somewhere she can be undisturbed.”

  For the second time in the space of half an hour, Demelza was lifted as if she weighed nothing at all. “Put me down this instant, Dr. Fairfield! What do you think you’re doing?”

  Ignoring her protest, he grinned down at the watching children. “Is your sister always so argumentative and stubborn?”

  Immediately their demeanour changed and they relaxed, nodding and smiling. Serena spoke for the three of them. “She never listens, especially not to us.”

  Tom rushed over and tugged at her tormentor’s coattails. “Are you sending Melza to bed ’cause she’s being naughty?”

  This was the outside of enough. “I insist that you put me back on the daybed, Dr. Fairfield. I have no wish to be taken anywhere and especially not to my bedchamber.” When he ignored her and continued on his way to the door, she called out to the children, “Fetch Mrs. Smith immediately. Tell her I need her.”

  His hateful chuckle echoed around the empty entrance hall. “I’ve had the good fortune to meet that redoubtable lady. I’d better get you safely stowed away before she comes to your rescue.” He bounded up the stairs and marched straight to the rear of the building and shouldered his way into her room.

  How did he know where she slept? He must have been snooping in her absence.

  Betty panted in behind them, her face red and her cap askew. “Cook says as you need me, miss.”

  Demelza was unceremoniously placed on the chaise longue. He stepped back, amused by her annoyance. “Stay here, my dear, and keep your foot raised. I shall make myself scarce as I can hear trouble approaching.” He waved airily and strolled out just as Martha hurried in.

  Downstairs, he was surprised to find he was awaited. He ruffled the hair of the two little boys and grinned at the girl. He’d had little to do with youngsters of any sort, but these three seemed an attractive bunch. If he was to live here for a while it would be well to get them on his side.

  “Children, I know nothing about my temporary home. Why don’t you show me around whilst your sister rests her foot?”

  With Tom and Jack scampering around him like puppies, he strolled away to be shown the vegetable garden, outbuildings and woodland. No trees grew on the seaward side of the property, but there was a pretty copse on the other side of the brook from which water for the garden and animals was fetched. Signs of neglect were everywhere; fences needed repairing, tiles had slipped from roofs.

  This was one thing he could do himself. He’d spent far too long these past months in idleness. Getting his hands dirty and doing some physical work for a change would suit him.

  “Well, children, I’ve enjoyed my tour. At what time do your lessons begin?”

  They stared at him as if he were a nincompoop. Serena smiled. “We don’t have them any more, not since our Papa died. Melza’s too busy.”

  “I see. I believe I heard your sister and Mrs. Smith saying you are to start tomorrow. I suggest you make the most of your last day of freedom.”

  “Can we go down to the beach? We have to ask first,” one of the little boys said.

  “If you’re careful on the cliff path and don’t go into the sea then I see no reason why not.”

  “We like the pools, there’s crabs and things in them,” Serena told him.

  They didn’t need telling a second time but raced off in the direction of the beach. Smiling at their enthusiasm, he wandered back inside, glad he no longer had to duck his head to avoid being knocked unconscious. He was met by Mrs. Smith, who nodded frostily.

  “Dr. Fairfield, what have you done with the children? Miss Tregorran is anxious to know their whereabouts. They are not permitted to wander freely about the place.”

  “They have been showing me around the estate and now they have gone down to the beach.”

  “I suppose that’s in order; in future, sir, could you inform either Miss Tregorran or myself if you are taking the children anywhere?”

  “I shall do so, of course. I’m afraid I told them their studies would be resuming soon. I overheard your conversation with Miss Tregorran on the subject.”

  Her rigid posture relaxed somewhat. “Excellent. I rather think their sister has been putting off telling them. We’ve agreed that I shall set up the schoolroom and take over their education. There’s nothing I like better than directing young minds.” She nodded and ran with remarkable agility up the stairs. He followed her, intending to collect his easel and watercolours. Today was a perfect day to paint and the view from the cliff top would be spectacular.

  His apartment was at the front of the building but he heard the exclamation of horror coming from the back quite clearly. Forgetting he was in bad odour he ran to the door.

  “How could he be so stupid as to let them go down when the tide’s rising? I have to go and get them.” Demelza attempted to scramble up when strong hands pressed her shoulders, holding her still.

  “Remain where you are; I should have thought. I’ll go and get them myself,” Dr. Fairfield said.

  “Demelza, my dear girl, what harm can they come to?” Martha interrupted. “Surely they’d have more sense than to go down if the tide’s coming in? After all they have been born and bred on the coast.”

  “That’s the problem, Martha. They know they’re not allowed down on the beach to play in the rock pools unless it’s safe. Dr. Fairfield gave them permission, they’ll assume the tide is going out.”

  He didn’t wait to hear more. His cheeks paled beneath his tan and he raced from the room. His heavy footsteps could be heard throughout the house.

  “Martha, help me to the window. Goodness! The bell — he must take it with him. The children will come back immediately if they hear that ringing.” Fortunately, the window was open. Demelza stuck her head through just as he emerged below. “Dr. Fairfield, take the bell by the front door. Ring it and the children will know it’s an emergency.”

  He snatched it up and raced for the cliff path. He’d discarded his topcoat and waistcoat and was in his shirt sleeves. Despite her anxiety, she couldn’t help but notice his athletic build and the way his long legs co
vered the ground. He paused at the cliff edge and rang the bell. She held her breath. He turned and waved, then vanished down the path.

  “Thank the Lord, the children are safe. Martha, I’m not sure that man should remain here. Already twice today he’s put their lives in danger and caused more upset than we’ve had in months.”

  “Don’t fret, my dear girl. I’m sure Dr. Fairfield will be more careful in future. He’s obviously not accustomed to having children around him. He’s a bachelor, which is fortuitous, don’t you think?”

  Demelza knew where this conversation was leading and hastily changed the subject. “As I am confined to my chamber for the next day or two I shall busy myself stitching my evening gown.” She hopped back to the day bed and flopped onto it. “I’d quite forgotten how many bolts of material there were in the attic, and such lovely patterns too.”

  “Indeed, my dear, you shall hardly know yourself once your new garments are completed and the house brought back to life. Please forgive me, but I must return to the schoolroom. I have commandeered Josie and Betty to help me clean. You wouldn’t believe how much dust has accumulated since the room was last in use.”

  The children looked around when Lucas rang the bell. They began to replace their stockings and boots. Dropping the bell at the top of the steep path, he descended with more speed than dignity. He arrived in a cloud of sand and pebbles just as they ran up.

  “Is there something amiss, sir?” Serena enquired politely.

  “No, not now. The tide’s coming in. I shouldn’t have given you permission to come down here.” The boys spun and stared at the sea with open mouths. He watched them move closer, seeking comfort from each other. “Your sister is waiting anxiously. We must return at once and reassure her that you are quite safe.”

  The girl set off ahead of them, but the little ones seemed rooted to the spot. He bent and scooped them up. “Come along, lads, one of you on my back, and the other on my front.” His unexpected action had the desired effect and, giggling and wriggling, they arranged themselves to his satisfaction. “Hang on tight, I shall take this at a run.”