This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please go to Bookapy.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Ellen Trilby
Peter Argonis
© 2005, 2024
Foreword by the Author
Acknowledgement
Chapter 1 - A Safe Haven
Chapter 2 - Fitting In
Chapter 3 - A Gruesome Discovery
Chapter 4 - Lessons To Learn
Chapter 5 - Miss Wilkes
Chapter 6 - The Debutante
Chapter 7 - Healing
Chapter 8: Family Matters
Chapter 9 - Repercussions
Chapter 10 - Planning the Future
Chapter 11 - Love at First Sight
Chapter 12 - Questions of Pedigree
Chapter 13 - The Merits of Piano Skills
Chapter 14 - Tragedy
Chapter 15 - A Betrothal
Chapter 16 - Aunt Lydia
Chapter 17 - Noblesse Oblige
Chapter 18 - The Breakup
Chapter 19 - A Dish to be Enjoyed Cold
Chapter 20 - A Wedding and a Miracle
When I started writing the story of the orphan girl Ellen Trilby, I had just posted In The Navy at SOL, my first offering as a writer of fiction. I should have continued with the second part of In The Navy, but I had this romantic idea in my head, about a beautiful shepherdess capturing the heart of a young gentleman. As was my practice then, I just started writing without a developed plot, just following where my imagination took me, and posted chapters willy-nilly as soon as I had finished writing them. No editor was ever involved either. That showed, but somehow, the readers liked the story; in fact, Ellen, as it was renamed in 2017, continues to be my highest-rated story at SOL.
Why then, the reader will ask, did I rewrite it with a vastly changed plot? After all, it had already gone through three revisions over the years, first hunting typos, then correcting syntax, and latest, removing superfluous sex scenes.
My reason for rewriting the entire first eight chapters and thereby changing the plot line is that I did not like them anymore. The characters were too over-the-top. Moreover, some plot elements were overly taxing the suspension of disbelief.
Example? How could Ellen not know the Carters, Lady Harriet in particular? Harriet had assisted Ellen's uncle and mother and brought about the meeting of Ellen's parents. Of course, Siobhan Trilby must have told her daughter of the high ranking Lady who had been her close friend.
Another point was Richard's dismal behaviour at the start. How could Ellen ever forgive him so quickly? On the other hand, how could Ellen turn into such an airhead after her arrival in London? Also, Richard challenged Major Finney and yet he chose the weapons, a factual error.
Morover, I was still quite unhappy with the language of the early chapters, and instead of correcting a word here, a syntax there, I rewrote entire paragraphs.
That, my friends, is the reason for the rewrite. The original full story, Ellen, will remain available untouched on SOL for as long as Lazeez will run the site. The newly written Ellen Trilby is made available only here on Bookapy, hopefully for your enjoyment, and it covers the time from the first meeting to the wedding of Richard and Ellen. A thoroughly revised account of the later events in Ellen's life, Lady Lambert's Adventures, will also be published soon.
A small village in Germany, August 2024
Part of the cover art was generated using nightcafe creator (https://creator.nightcafe.studio/).
"It can't be far anymore," Ellen Trilby sighed, more to herself than to her companion, the old shepherdess Mildred, who was following her in the shepherd cart.
In the village behind them, a tenant farmer had given her directions to High Matcham, the manor house, where the Carter family lived and where young Ellen hoped to find shelter.
Two months ago, she had run from her home and from her stepfather. He had not been a bad stepfather, but ever since her poor mother had died, eight months ago, he had given in to drink and gambling. Now he was owing over £200 to his gambling cronies. One of them, Eliezer Crowly, had offered to pay for the entire debt if Ellen became his bride — a revolting thought for young Ellen, for Crowley was approaching sixty years, was as ugly as the sin and made her skin crawl with his lewd gaze.
She had fled her home at night, whilst her stepfather was sleeping off his fresh drunk. She left the only home she'd ever known with two dresses, her good woollen cloak, her sturdy boots, and a few mementos from her mother that had not yet been pawned by her stepfather. She'd also taken what little money she'd been able to hide from her stepfather; £1.16s.4d was all she owned in this world.
She remembered from the tales her mother had told her that Lady Carter had been her friend when she was a young woman and that she was married to Sir Anthony Carter, a Navy captain and a wealthy man. They lived in a beautiful manor house, called High Matcham, near Maidenhead in Berkshire.
She'd been able to beg a ride on a merchant's mule wagon for two days, telling the man that she wanted to visit her ailing uncle in Peterborough. She could not find further transport from there and continued her journey on foot, staying at small wayside inns for the nights until, after three days, she overheard a haughty sounding man ask the landlord for a run bride, blonde, pretty, and heading south. She barely escaped through the rear door of the inn and hid in a nearby copse for a full day.
She had a lucky break then, for in the next morning, she espied a flock of sheep grazing nearby, tended by an old shepherdess. The woman even had a small donkey cart, and when Ellen approached her, she agreed to take the girl along if she helped with the sheep. The shepherdess, Mildred — Ellen never learned her family name — was quite frail and had some problems herding the sheep, and Ellen had to learn shepherding quickly, to keep the flock going.
She had to be patient, too, for the sheep moved at their own pace and not always in Ellen's desired direction, but now, after two months, they were close to Ellen's destination. Mildred had gotten frailer with every day, and Ellen knew that she could not simply say good bye and leave the old woman behind, even if the Carters took her in as she hoped.
Now, Ellen could see a large manor house ahead, and she turned to her benefactor.
"There it is! We made it."
"That's good, child. Let’s hope them'll be nice to you an' take you in. Ask them if'n I'm allowed to graze my sheep for a week."
"I shall, Mildred, never worry. The Thames river is near, and the banks should offer ample grazing."
"Your words to God's ears, child! You better dress in that fancy dress o'yours an' that fine cloak. Then run. The weather's mucked up, an' you'll be drenched in no time."
That was true. The drizzle that had accompanied them all morning was turning into a sleet rain. Ellen climbed into the cart from the rear and found her small bundle of possessions. Taking off the coarse tarpaulin, she slipped out of her second best dress and shivered in the cold. With infinite care, she put on her better dress and then did her best to untangle her long blonde hair and to tie it back into a braid. Then she shook out the good woollen cloak under which she had slept for two months and wrapped it around her shoulders.
"I'll be back as soon as I can, Mildred!"
"Good luck, child!" the shepherdess answered, coughing a little.
Ellen set out for the final quarter mile when suddenly she heard hoofbeat behind her. She turned and saw a young man on horseback, well dressed and handsome, if a bit bedraggled from the rain.
"Who are you and what's the meaning of those sheep on our lands?" he demanded.
"My name is Ellen Trilby, Sir. I am the daughter of Major John Trilby and his wife Siobhan. They are both dead, but my mother used to befriend the Lady Carter, and I had hoped that perhaps she might be willing to give me some help, Sir."
The young man was clearly surprised over her cultivated speech, but he regarded her with little goodwill.
"You are looking for handouts?"
She lowered her head, blushing intensely with the shame she felt. "My mother always spoke of Lady Carter as a kindhearted woman, and she mentioned Sir Anthony as a fine gentleman who had helped her family and my late uncle. He was a lieutenant under Sir Anthony. I never met him — he perished at sea — but I have nobody else whom I could ask for help."
She looked up at him with pleading eyes, using her own good looks, and she could see him moved.
"Come along then, girl… Miss Trilby. I shall ask my mother."
"Thank you, Sir! Might I ask your name?"
"I am Richard Carter, Sir Anthony's son. Come along, Miss Trilby!" Clearly, he at first planned to let her walk beside him whilst he rode his horse, but then he reconsidered. "Can you ride?"
"It's been years since I rode a horse. Please, don't mind me. I am used to walking by now."
He sighed. "That won't do. If my father saw me ride my horse with you walking, I would be in for a lengthy sermon about gentlemanly behaviour. Let us both walk then, Miss Trilby."
They covered the remaining distance in short time. Once they entered the courtyard, a groom rushed to take care of Mister Carter's mount whilst he led her up the steps to the entrance of the manor house.
As soon as they entered, two maids came rushing and took care of his wet riding cloak, hat and riding crop.
"This is Miss Ellen Trilby. See her to the visitor's room! Get her a cup of tea, too. I must speak to Lady Carter."
It felt so strange to Ellen when a maid took her coat and curtseyed.
"Thank you," Ellen said in her friendliest voice. "Might I ask if you can find a hairbrush for me? I must look dreadful after my travels."
The girl curtseyed and ran away, returning with a hairbrush only moments later. "May I, Miss?"
Without waiting for an answer, the maid opened Ellen's braid and brushed out her damp hair as best she could. Then she tied back Ellen's bangs, leving the rest of her long hair open for better drying. A look in the big mirror in the entrance hall showed Ellen that her hair looked fetching that way.
"Thank you," she told the girl who smiled shyly before leading her to a cozy sitting room by the entrance. Ellen had barely sat down on an upholstered chair when another maid came in with a steaming cup of tea, with sugar and milk. "Thank you," Ellen repeated.
The hot tea was heavenly after a morning spent in drizzling rain, but soon she heard approaching steps and the door opened to reveal a beautiful redheaded lady of middling age. Ellen rose hastily and curtseyed.
"Miss Trilby?" the woman asked in a friendly voice.
"Yes, milady! I am the daughter of Major John Trilby and of Siobhan Trilby, née O’Shaunessy. I cannot remember my father, but my mother often told me of you and of your travels in Ireland and how you helped my late uncle."
"Why did you come to High Matcham?"
"I had to flee from home, milady. My mother died eight months ago, and my stepfather, Major Meadows, took to drink and gambling in his sorrow. He lost everything, and I was the last pawn he could use for bartering. I was supposed to be married to his main creditor, Mr. Eliezer Crowly, in return for having the debt forgiven. I took what possessions had been left and ran away, for I fear and despise that man.”
"Have you any relatives save for that stepfather?"
"No, milady. I was hoping…"
"Yes?"
"I thought that you might have use for a companion or that you may know of somebody who does. I can also be a teacher’s helper.”
"How old are you, my child?"
"Seventeen years, milady."
Lady Carter's mouth twitched. "And how long since you had your last bath?"
"T-two months, milady," Ellen answered with a blush. "My stepfather or Mr. Crowly had sent somebody to search for me, and I didn't dare to sleep in taverns for fear of being found. A shepherdess, Mildred, let me travel with her. I slept in her shepherd's cart with her and had to herd the sheep during the days."
"Oh, dear, you are determined, aren't you? Whence are you coming?"
"From King's Lynn. It's north-east of Peterborough, milady."
"Oh, dear! And you walked all the way?"
"I had no choice, milady," Ellen answered simply.
"I believe you hadn’t. Have you any proof of being Siobhan's daughter?"
For an answer, Ellen reached in her sleeve and pulled out a fine, burgundy red silk shawl, one of the few costly possessions of her mother that had not been sold. Lady Carter had one look at it and swallowed. "I am satisfied. I myself gave poor Siobhan that shawl when we parted company.”
Moments later, maids were summoned under a barrage of orders from Lady Carter. They tried to lead Ellen away, but she stayed them.
"Milady, Mildred, the old shepherdess, is in the road, only a few hundred steps away. She is sick and frail and tired of travelling. Might she be allowed to graze her sheep on the lands for a week or maybe even a fortnight?"
"That is for Sir Anthony to decide, or rather, for Mr. Brown. He is our caretaker. I shall ask though."
"Thank you for your kindness, milady!" Ellen said. "You are as beautiful and kind as Mother said."
Lady Carter laughed delightedly. "Flattery will get you a hot bath!"
———
When Ellen met the whole Carter family at dinner, she felt self-conscious in her borrowed dress. It belonged to Lady Carter’s daughter, Eleanor. Whilst they were of the same height, Ellen was further along in her development, meaning that the dress was tight over her developing bust, and she saw that both men at the table were stealing glances at her.
Apart from the Carters, a youngish man was sitting at the table with them who was intruduced as Mr. Seeley, and he was young Eleanor's tutor. Ellen had learned that Master Richard Carter had attended a public school and had returned before Christmas.
Over the soup, she was asked questions by the elder Carters, mostly by Sir Anthony. Ellen was a little awed by the man. He was tall, with a trim body, and his posture made it clear that he was used to being obeyed.
"I knew your mother when she was Siobhan O'Shaunessy. You quite favour her, Miss Trilby."
"Thank you, Sir Anthony. I miss her fiercely."
"What happen to your father? I never met him, but Lady Carter has very good memories of him."
"He fell at Waterloo, Sir Anthony. I was only seven then, but I hadn't seen him for two years. I can barely remember him."
"Your mother remarried then?"
"Yes, Sir Anthony. Major Meadows was Father's comrade in arms. When the regiment returned, he visited us and brought back Father's things. He was kind then and helpful. He adored Mum from the start and courted her as soon as was proper. He was always kind to me, too, back then, but Mum's death devastated him."
"Well, consider yourself our guest for now, my dear girl. Oh, Mr. Brown found your shepherdess. One of the stable hands will show her to the river banks tomorrow. She's welcome to graze her sheep there. She's sickly, isn't she?"
"Thank you, Sir Anthony! You are very kind. Yes, Mildred isn'nt well. She's a good woman, and I owe her."
"Let us hope that the Spring will help her get better. We can also feed her a little.”
Lady Carter spoke up then. "Where did you receive schooling, Ellen?"
"Mrs. Walker, the wife of Reverend Walker, runs a school in Peterborough for girls aged seven to sixteen. I spent the winter months at school. She kept me as her helper after I finished, but then my Mum turned sick, and I returned home,” Ellen answered, before she shook her head. "I saved what she paid me for my dowry, but the Major took it and gambled it away with the rest."
"That is sad, my dear. Would you like to join Eleanor and Mr. Seeley for lessons?"
Ellen felt herself blush. "I would love that, milady, but surely you have tasks for me? I don't want to abuse your generosity."
"Oh, that will be one of your tasks. Eleanor spends too much time alone, and none of our neighbours have daughters her age. How would you like that, Eleanor?"
"I'd like to get to know her first," the pretty redhead answered, giving Ellen an apologetic smile. "Let us take Mr. Seeley's lessons and see how we get along."
"A good idea, Eleanor," Sir Anthony decided. "May we trouble you to assess Miss Trilby's education, Mr. Seeley?"
"Certainly, Sir Anthony. Having two students will make the lessons more lively."
"Richard, any thoughts from you viewpoint?"
Looking up, Ellen saw that he had been staring at her, kept staring at her, obviously not having heard his father‘s question.
"I believe that Richard’s viewpoint is clear, and yes, Richard, Miss Trilby is very pretty,“ Sir Anthony chuckled, followed by the tinkling giggle of Eleanor.
Only now, Richard became aware of his surroundings again, and he blushed deeply.
"I-I‘m sorry, Father. I was in thought. Miss T-Trilby, my apologies.“
Doing her best to relieve his embarrassment, Ellen gave the young man a friendly smile.
"There‘s no apology needed, Mister Carter. You were exceedingly kind to me.“
If she wanted to put him at ease, she was failing badly, for he blushed fiercely. With a visible effort, the young man tore himself from his predicament. "Father, Mother, you know that I am almost as new to the house as Miss Trilby after four years at school. I have no thoughts and certainly no objections.“
Sir Anthony smiled. "Let us change the seating order. Mr. Seeley, will you kindly swap chairs with Miss Trilby? Out of sight, out of mind, eh?“
The rest of the dinner passed uneventful, but when the table was lifted, Richard found himself obliged to hold the chairs for both his sister and Ellen, which again flustered him. Yet, he kept his wits and bowed to both girls, which set off Eleanor into a soft giggle. She kissed her brother‘s cheek affectionally before leaving the dinner hall.
Ellen approached her hosts to bid good night, but Lady Carter had other ideas.
"Join me in the library, Ellen, please.“
Following her benefactor, she found herself in a cozy room lined by book shelves, and she had to sit in a comfortable, leather-upholstered chair opposite the lady, who smiled at her with a shrug. A maid followed them and was sent to the kitchens for hot chocolate. Then Ellen looked into a smiling face.
“Well, as Sir Anthony said, you are welcome to stay with us. Mind you though that I am not so old as to need a companion. I have a husband after all and two children. Yet, you and I shall spend time together to define your needs, now and in the future. Now, please, tell me of poor Siobhan.”
For the next hour, Ellen told the kind lady of her youth in King’s Lynn and of how her mother had lived at the side of Major Meadows. She told of school in Peterborough, of her home visits in summer, and finally of the wasting illness that had consumed her mother. Then the bleak months afterwards when her stepfather fell apart, both physically and morally, unable to cope with a life that did not include Siobhan anymore.
When she finished, Lady Carter bade her stand and then took her in her arms, holding her tightly.
“The worst is over for you, my girl. Now you must rest and recuperate and find your smile again. We must also make inquiries about your stepfather and your suitor. Since you are still almost four years away from majority, we must take steps to protect you against their designs.”
“You are very kind, milady. How can I be protected?”
“Does your stepfather know of the friendship your mother had with me?”
“Yes, she spoke often of you, and he quite liked it, for it showed him that Mum was not just a pretty Irish girl.”
Lady Carter sighed. “Then, my dear, it stands to reason that somebody will show up here sooner or later to ask questions. I believe we had better involve our Maidenhead solicitor in this.”
“That sounds frightfully expensive.”
Lady Carter smiled indulgently. “Mr. Bowden is on our retainer. No extra costs will be incurred. Now tell me: you introduced yourself as Ellen Trilby. Didn’t Major Meadows adopt you as his daughter when he married your mother?”
“No, milady. My Mum was against it, and he never acted against her wishes.”
“Not even after her death?”
“I fear he was never sober long enough to plan anything.”
“That, my dear, is a happy coincidence.”
“You mean, he cannot speak on my behalf?”
“We’ll find out. Now empty your cup and then find some sleep.”
“May I ask whose room you gave me? It looks like a girl’s room.”
“It’s Emily’s old room. She was our daughter, but she is quite headstrong, and she ran away with a young engineer to marry him. I believe they reside in India now. I wish her luck and happiness, but she has no claim to a bedroom in our house anymore.”
And thus, Ellen learned that kind and helpful Lady Carter also had a steely side to her.
A maid named Dottie helped her undress and into a thick, soft nightskirt. The bed was fresh and smelt of soap, and it was warm from the hot brick that had been placed under the covers. Ellen was asleep as soon as her head touched the feather-stuffed pillow.
The Carter’s former daughter Emily must have left behind a trove of clothing of very good quality, all neatly cleaned, pressed and stowed away from moths and other dangers, though not smelling of camphor in any way. When Ellen awoke to an honest-to-God ray of sunshine forcing its way through the drapes, Dottie, her assigned chambermaid, proudly presented her with the bounty, explaining that Lady Carter had ordered the chests and valises retrieved from storage. The undergarments were of fine Irish linen, better than anything Ellen had ever owned. And the dresses! There were almost a dozen of them, all finely made and little used. Ellen fell in love with an azur blue creation. It fit her height, her waist and hips, but left some spare room for her growing bosom. The mysterious Emily must have been better endowed.
When Ellen responded to the dinner bell that called the family for breakfast, she was the first at the table and stood to the side, uncertain of her place. She was joined shortly by young Master Carter who did a double take seeing her.
“Good morning, Master Carter,” she greeted him politely.
He blushed a little, but returned the greeting. “The same to you, Miss Trilby. You look much refreshed after a good night’s sleep.”
“Oh, but I am! I woke up and there came Dottie and showed me this bounty of fine clothing, and I fell in love with this dress!”
A shadow crossed his face. “Yes, it was Emily’s favourite, too. I never thought she’d leave it behind.” His face held a pained expression.
“I am sorry for my tactless conduct. She meant a lot to you?”
“She was my big sister growing up, almost like a second mother. She never had a bad word for me. I couldn’t believe it when Father wrote to me that she had left us to go to India with that man.”
“I am so sorry! I can change back into… Oh, dear, my own dresses are all worn and dirty!”
“No, please don’t. You need something, and Emily will never claim those clothes. It is good that her things will get some use after all.” He smiled a little. “Those dresses were all made by Wilson’s Fashion in London.”
“Were they very expensive?”
“I would not know. Elizabeth Wilson, the owner, has been a close friend of my parents longer than I have lived, and I suspect that we get favourable conditions. Ines Little now runs the fashion house for all purposes, and she owes my father her freedom. You’ll meet Mister Little, too. He has been Father’s cox’n and confidential servant since his time in the Medusa frigate. Be prepared to see a very tall and very black gentleman. I call him Uncle John, for he’s had a big hand in raising me, too.”
“Your family is quite unusual,” Ellen remarked.
“People call us upstarts, well, the stupid people do, but we are proud of my father. He’s from a humble background in Kingston, Jamaica, but he was a post-captain at 22 years, and now, at 46 years, he received his flag already.”
Ellen nodded. “I can feel his authority with every word he speaks.”
“You are perceptive, Miss Trilby,” he smiled at her, the subject of his family making him lose his shyness around her.
“Thank you. I try to be, and my mother encouraged me to be more than just a pretty face.”
Richard smiled at her with admiration. “You are certainly more than pretty, too,” he returned, only to turn beet red after realising what he’d said. “My apologies, Miss Trilby. That was too forward.”
“No apologies needed, Master Carter. I have heard such compliments before, but from you it sounded honest and not lewd at all.”
The two stood there, at a loss how to overcome the sudden awkwardness, when a small black-haired woman showed in the dinner hall. Her smile when she regarded Richard was motherly.
“You are up early, my dear Richard,” she stated in a strong French accent, pronouncing his name Reeshar. “And zis must be Miss Trilby. Welcome to ‘Igh Matcham, Miss!”
Ellen curtseyed in response, causing chuckles.
“Miss Trilby, please meet the true ruler of this household, Nadine Blacket. She’s been our housekeeper forever, and she is responsible for all the delicious foods you’ll enjoy. A fair warning though: stay on her good side. I was mean to her just once, and off they sent me to boarding school!”
“Oh, you and your stories!” The diminutive housekeeper snorted. “Zis rogue always played pranks on ze poor teacher, Mr. Williamson, no doubt instigated by zat black heazzen Little. Zat’s why ‘e was sent to boarding school!”
“He was a bad boy then, I gather,” Ellen inquired.
“He still is,” the laughing voice of Eleanor Carter cut in. “Good morning!”
“Good morning, Miss Eleanor,” Ellen answered causing a giggle.
“Please, call me Eleanor!”
“Eleanor and Ellen; we shall have to watch our pronounciation,” Richard commented.
“Very funny!” Eleanor huffed for show. “It just shows that both our parents had good taste. Well, I’m named after Gran, of course.”
Their exchange was cut short when the elder Carters joined them, assuming their places at either end of the table. The youngsters joined them and a few moments later, Mr. Seeley hastened in, apologising for being late.
Talk at the table focussed on the plans for the day, and by tacit agreement, Ellen was spared any further inquisition. She spent most of the breakfast watching the family interact. Richard and Eleanor maintained their gentle bickering, but the elder Carters were obviously used to their offsprings’ antics and did not mind them.
After breakfast, she and Eleanor joined Mr. Seeley in a second-story room that held a writing desk, chairs and a chalk board. This morning’s lesson was to be algebraic calculations, exponentiations to be precise. Ellen was quite familiar with those, albeit a little rusty, but she soon caught on. By contrast, poor Eleanor was having a hard time understanding the subject at first and not too pleased over Ellen’s easy learning. Unfortunately, Mr. Seeley was a not patient teacher, but after going over the materials a third time, Eleanor finally had a firm grasp, which improved her mood only barely.
When Mr. Seeley released his pupils for a break, Eleanor left the room immediately, leaving a confused Ellen behind. Outside, the girl was waiting.
“Listen Ellen, I have a bit of a temper sometimes and I just hate looking stupid. I’m sorry. It grated me to see you at ease with the teachings.”
“I understand,” Ellen answered, the little white lie coming easily. “Please, keep in mind that for me, this is but a repetition of what I learned before. I am two years older; that’s all.”
“That adds to it, Ellen. You are more grown, too, and so pretty! I feel like a stupid child.”
Ellen had met with jealousy before. “Oh, I may be pretty, but not more so than you are. Your hair is beyond beautiful, and your creamy skin is adorable.”
“You think that?”
Ellen nodded.
“Thank you. But I’m still a child compared with you.”
“I am not much more than a child myself. I had to grow up faster last year to cope with Mum’s death and the Major’s scheming, but I still miss my mother’s hugs.”
Before her eyes, Eleanor grew at least by an inch. She opened her arms for Ellen and the two girls shared their first hug.
“Better?” Eleanor asked when they had separated.
“Thank you! You are a dear!”
———
Sharing Mr. Seeley’s lessons with Eleanor was pleasant, rewarding and sometimes challenging. The younger girl was headstrong, volatile and childish, yet kind and endearing at the same time. For Ellen, who was very conscious of her precarious position in the Carter’s household, it was difficult to cope with outbursts of temper followed by almost immediate apologies and honest regret.
She could understand Eleanor. To her father, she was still a child, somebody to gently tease but not to take seriously in her wishes and opinions. Her mother, whilst meaning well, was a woman of strong beliefs and personality, and not able to relate to her daughter’s fears and insecurities, frustrating her further. Even worse was her brother who, though loving his sister dearly, completely disregarded her views as without merits. Even Mr. Seeley was patronising in the extreme, and being exposed to his pontificating speeches, Ellen could understand young Eleanor who took such attitude from three more sides.
The two girls got along best when being by themselves, such when taking short strolls around the manor house and the adjacent small park. Here, they could both leave the tensions behind, and here, Ellen tried to instill a feeling of self worth in her younger friend. Sometimes, they rode out, always accompanied by a reliable groom, and they visited Mildred and her flock. The old woman had recovered a bit and was now able to herd her sheep on the grassy river bank.
Ellen quite enjoyed those rides, although horseback riding was quite new to her. She always brought along some food for Mildred. Eleanor accompanied her out of kindness, not really able to relate to the simple woman whose life was so different from living at High Matcham or their London city mansion, the only frames of reference known to her. Yet the outings allowed them to speak their minds freely, and their sometimes awkward relationship slowly improved and morphed into a tentative friendship.
———
The burgeoning friendship between Eleanor and their house guest was of course noticed by the rest of Eleanor’s family, and whilst the elder Carters were approving of the girl, young Richard became a little jealous of Ellen, for all of a sudden, he was not the subject of his younger sister’s deference, let alone adoration anymore.
Before Ellen’s arrival, Eleanor always had always come to her big brother for his opinions or advice, ever since he returned from the public school. His education there, if not a pleasant experience, had still left him with a wide-ranging knowledge, and he enjoyed passing some of it to his sister, basking in the obvious gratitude she showed. Now things were changing. Eleanor had another young female with whom to converse, one who obviously gave her new viewpoints.
He was quite aware that young Ellen had received quite a good schooling, not on par with his own excellent public school education, but certainly better than what Mister Seeley imparted on Eleanor. He was also painfully aware that much of his own acquired knowledge had little usefulness in real life. Nobody spoke Latin or Greek except for some stuffy scholars, for instance. Also, whilst he had received advanced tutoring in geometry and algebra, this would avail him little since he was not slated for a career in the Royal Navy like his father, being his parents’ only male heir. Even worse was his knowledge of young women, seeing how he’d had little exposure to them for his entire adolescence, and here, their house guest could answer Eleanor’s questions if not with much experience, but with far better understanding.
On the other hand, she was simply the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. She had looked pretty enough when she was soaked by rain at their first encounter, but now, wearing those dresses Emily had left behind and with her hair clean and well groomed, he was tongue-tied and insecure in her presence. He knew that for most of the sons of the higher gentry, the presence of a pretty but impoverished house guest would be an opportunity to ‘sow their wild oats’ as it was called.
This was not an option as he knew well. For one, the girl Ellen was the daughter of one of his mother’s dear friends and under her protection. In addition, his father frowned on dalliances under duress. Richard had already received several lectures from Sir Anthony about the conduct expected of him. In return, the elder Carter had arranged for a proper tutoring for his son at a house of convenience, where several of the young cocottes had taught him not only the ways of the flesh in all their delicious variations, but also the art of paying compliments and showing respect and consideration. Richard hoped for the tutoring to continue and was leery of forfeiting that benefit.
Thus, the presence of Ellen Trilby availed him nothing, whilst she quite flustered and irritated him. Even her polite conduct was grating on him. He would have much preferred an occasional faux pas, but she was very careful not to overstep her position.
Now he was looking out of his window, watching Eleanor and Ellen returning from one of their frequent outings, always accompanied by Pelham, the senior groom. He could see that Ellen was still rather uncomfortable on horseback, having had little previous opportunities to learn horsemanship. Eleanor was doing quite well, but she was in no way competent enough to teach her friend the nuances of controlling a steed. With a sigh, Richard left his room and went downstairs in time to see the girls dismount.
“Had you a good ride, Eleanor? Your servant Miss Trilby,” he greeted them politely, feeling a little bit less awkward than normal.
“It was lovely,” Eleanor smiled back.
Ellen nodded hesitantly. “It is getting better, but I was nearly thrown when Penny stumbled.” Penny, or Penelope in the records, was the four year-old dapple grey mare she was riding.
“If you want, I can give you a few riding lessons, Miss Trilby. I can use the practice, too, and the afternoon promises to be sunny.”
He could see her look in Eleanor’s direction and his sister’s nod.
“That would be exceedingly kind of you, Master Carter,” Ellen answered. “Of course, I don’t want to be an imposition.”
“I offered it freely, so it is no imposition at all,” Richard answered in a rare show of gallantry. “Shall I have the horses readied at 2 o’clock?”
“I shall hold myself ready. Will you excuse me for an hour or two?”
The latter question was directed at Eleanor who had followed the exchange with arched eyebrows. She smiled and shrugged.
“Far be it from me to discourage Richard from being genial. It is a rare enough occurrence.”
Richard knew his sister was teasing, but obviously, Ellen was a little distressed.
“Eleanor, your brother was never anything but courteous and helpful to me.”
“Be at ease, Ellen,” Eleanor laughed. “Richard and I tease each other a lot. Richard, I appreciate your offer to Ellen. You have been quite withdrawn in the last weeks.”
Richard blushed a little. “You were quite busy.”
“Yes, I neglected you, too. I am sorry. It is the first time for me to have somebody my age with whom to consort, and I became distracted. Perhaps you can join us more often. We could even leave Pelham behind with you accompanying us for protection.”
Richard blushed even more, but he had a warm feeling.
“I’d like that, if Miss Trilby is agreeable.”
“I would enjoy it, and I am not in a position to object anyway,” Ellen answered, now blushing a little bit herself.
“It is settled then. Riding lessons this afternoon, and an outing tomorrow, weather permitting,” he said lightly. “Let’s go in now. Nadine is likely waiting wizz ze noon meal.”
“That was bad, Richard. I shall tell Nadine that you are mocking her,” Eleanor laughed. “No dessert for you!”
Richard laughed. “She won’t care. She loves us, and she knows how much we love her.”
Eleanor turned to Ellen. “He has her wrapped around his fingers. He always gets extra helpings.”
“I believe she likes you equally well, for I have seen her look at you,” Ellen returned with a smile. “You are to be envied for your parents and your housekeeper.”
“Yes, we are,” Richard nodded sombrely. “I had four years of public school to learn how good I have it here.”
They went into the house then and to their rooms, the girls to freshen up, and Richard to change into riding pants. On his way up, he realised that he had spent time with Ellen Trilby and liked it, even liked her.
Early in the next morning, right after breakfast, the three young people set out for a ride. After two hours under Richard’s tutoring in the previous afternoon, Ellen was doing better in the saddle already. Of course, Richard was aware that sitting in side saddle made it far more difficult to control a horse and made seating more precarious. He had focussed on teaching Ellen the proper use of the reins, and it was bearing fruit. Penny was sensing a difference in the way she was controlled and behaved much better. They extended their morning ride to the river banks, to accommodate Ellen’s wish to bring along some leftover food for the shepherdess Mildred as she always did, feeling a deep gratitude to the old woman. They could see the flock of sheep from afar, but as they came closer, Ellen suddenly straightened up.
“Oh, no!” she cried, urging her mare forward.
In mere minutes they reached the flock, and the first thing they saw was the bloody carcass of an ewe, cut open and butchered crudely. Reaching the site, Ellen dismounted in haste and rushed for the shepherd’s cart. Looking inside, she shrieked.
Richard and Eleanor had followed her, and what they saw made Richard flinch and Eleanor step back in horror. Inside the cart, half on the cot and half on the floor boards, lay the old woman, a grisly wound on the side of her head. Ellen was holding her hand, rubbing it and pleading with her.
“Please, Mildred, wake up! Please, say something! Who did this to you?”
Forcing himself to step closer — the old woman smelt bad — Richard felt for her pulse and sensed a fast heartbeat. He thought furiously. Now was the time for him to remain in control. He was a man after all and the son of his father.
“Eleanor, ride for High Matcham and fetch Father. Be careful on the way and stay away from bushes and trees. The man who did this might still lurk around. If somebody tries to stop you, ride him down, you hear! Tell Father to send for Doctor Fox and to bring help!”
Eleanor nodded shakily. “You are right, Richard. Stay with Ellen and be careful yourself!” With sudden determination, she led her horse to a tree stump and mounted. “I’ll hurry.”
“Listen, Ellen, she’s still breathing and her heart is beating. We better not move her, but try to comfort her. Has she anything to defend herself?”
Ellen visibly tried to control herself. “Her shepherd’s staff only. There’s also her knife somewhere.” Rummaging in a wooden box, she held up a well preserved butcher’s knife, the blade at least 10 inches long, and handed it to Richard.
“It’s not much, but better than nothing,” Richard nodded. “Where’s the staff?”
Looking outside, he found it in the grass near the cart. The blood stain close by showed where the old woman had been bashed on her head. He picked up the staff and whirled it a bit to get a feel for the weight and balance. John Little, Anthony Carter’s former coxswain and close confidante, had taught Richard how to use quarterstaff and sailor’s knife when he was a boy, and Richard felt well armed for the moment.
Whilst Ellen tended to the wounded woman, Richard kept a vigil around the cart, anxiously awaiting help from High Matcham. The half hour wait seemed like an eternity, but then he saw riders approach from the direction of the manor. He could see that Eleanor was not amongst them, and he was glad for it. He did not know how Ellen could stand the grisly sight of the headwound nor the stench emanating from the old, unkempt woman, and he was glad for the excuse to stay outside.
Finally, the riders with his father in the lead arrived and dismounted. Seeing his son keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings, he nodded with approval.
“What happened, Richard?”
“We stopped near the cart to bring food for the old woman, and then we saw the butchered ewe. Ellen looked into the cart and found the shepherdess. I think she was bludgeoned, and she has a bad head wound. Ellen is in there caring for her.
The elder Carter quickly walked over and looked into the cart.
“Good Lord!” he exclaimed. “Miss Trilby, we sent for the doctor before we left. He should be here shortly. If anybody can save the poor woman, it is he.
“Thank you from my heart, Sir Anthony,” Richard heard Ellen’s weak voice. “She is breathing, but it’s hard for her. Master Carter said he could feel her pulse, too.”
“So he wasn’t just hiding outside?” Richard heard his father ask.
“No, Sir Anthony,” Ellen protested. “He was right by my side, but we decided it was better to keep watch outside.”
“I cannot argue against that, my dear girl. Has she shown any sign of waking?”
“No, Sir Anthony. She isn’t moving a lot.”
“Is it possible that Mildred was butchering that sheep outside?”
“No, Sir Anthony!” Ellen sounded angry. “Whoever did that, knew nothing. The poor animal was still alive when he cut it open, the soulless ruffian!”
“We’ll catch him, and then, it’ll be the noose for him,” the squire said grimly. “Perhaps with a few dozen lashes before that. Pershing! Go and find Mister Waring! Ask him to bring his dogs. We’ll track down the miscreant.”
Pershing, one of the younger grooms, jumped onto his horse eagerly and left in a full gallopp, heading for the village. The rest of the men began to swarm out, looking for traces in the grass. They had come armed with muskets and cutlasses which they knew how to use. Richard knew that his father only employed former Navy ratings on his estate, mostly men who had sailed under him at one time or another. He called them his ‘landing party’, and they were fiercely loyal.
Richard had by now lost track of the time, but another group of riders was approaching now. Richard only knew one of them, Doctor Fox. He was a real fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, but had served as surgeon in the Navy before taking over the practice in Matcham. Richard also knew that Doctor Fox owned a collection of Italian art, mostly Renaissance paintings, of which he was inordinately proud. He was a frequent visitor at High Matcham.
“Good morning, Sir Anthony. What have we got?”
“An old shepherdess who was grazing her sheep along the river bank. My children found her this morning bleeding from a big wound to the head. A poacher or vagrant, most likely, because a sheep was butchered, too.”
Doctor Fox looked at the carcass. “A vagrant, more likely, Sir Anthony. No poacher would botch up a slaughter that badly. A dull knife, too, but let me look at the human victim first!”
Doctor Fox climbed into the cart, and Richard saw Ellen stumbling out. She looked shaken, which was a small wonder, and Richard stepped close to her.
“How are you holding up, Miss Trilby?”
She looked up with a tear-streaked face. “How could somebody be so cruel? Mildred is old and weak. There was no need to… hurt her so badly.”
“Maybe he feared being recognised by her?”
“She would have given him food if he was hungry. That’s how she is. She took me in, too.”
Richard shrugged. “If she survives, we may find out.” He realised the impact of his words immediately. “I am ever so sorry for my tactless words!”
Ellen shrugged. “I know that she may die. The wound is bad.”
“Yes, but take heart! Doctor Fox knows how to fix wounds like that. He must’ve patched up hundreds of sailors in his time in the Navy.”
“Thank you for your words, Master Carter, and thank you for staying and protecting us.”
Richard smiled wryly. “Believe me, the ruffian who hurt the old woman cannot be as scary as my father and mother had I left you alone here.”
The retainers broke out in chuckles hearing that, and the squire nodded. “That’s not far from the truth.”
<