Stay with Me Page 7

  ‘I’m improving, Mrs Campion will tell you that.’

  ‘That may well be but I’m going to check you.’ When Lena started to protest he held up his hand to stop her and exerted his authority in no uncertain terms. ‘You are not well. You are not the Lena I know, and I insist you tell me everything so I can judge what is best for you. I will not stand for any further protests. You are important to me, Lena.’ He took her hand, and if she was not mistaken it was more than a doctor’s touch when his fingers felt for her pulse.

  When he was finished, Alistair nodded. ‘You are healthy enough but you are run down. I think it is late shock at what happened in Scotland, and the fact that you have missed being among people in the way that you are used to. I will give you something to take and I want you to eat plenty of nourishing food, but most of all I want you to stop worrying about what happened and dismiss any other concerns you may have. Try to occupy your mind with pleasant things. I’ll get Olivia to visit you every day. It was unfortunate that she was away when you were not well. I’ll try and visit you daily myself. Certainly I’ll be here tomorrow.’

  An hour after Alistair had left, James rushed in and was on his knees in front of Lena almost before she’d realised he was there.

  ‘Lena! Alistair’s just paid me a visit. Why didn’t you tell me? I didn’t notice.’ The concern in his voice was matched by the look in his eyes as he took her hands in his.

  She smiled. ‘You never were observant unless it was of ships, and what was happening on the Whitby quays and in the shipyards, and who was trading what with whom.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘Don’t be. I’m all right. Alistair has given me things to take.’

  ‘Well, if there is anything else you need, tell me.’

  ‘I will. And you can sit down now and tell me exactly how the business is progressing and how the John Carnforth is shaping.’ She held up her hands to stem any protest. ‘I promise not to question your decisions or make any suggestions.’

  ‘There’ll be no need for any when you hear what I have to say.’ James pulled a chair near to her and sat down. By the time he had finished he knew he had done Lena good; there was a new light in her eyes and he realised her heart lay with the ships and the quays and the world they brought near. Part of him wanted to offer her a position in the firm, but he knew that would not work. There was no room for two principals. He realised his father had known this, too, and had wisely worded his Will so it could not happen, while providing financially for Lena’s future.

  His sister’s eyes followed him as he left the room. How she envied James the world in which he moved.

  Chapter Six

  ‘Here!’ Ben tossed a coin in the air, sending five urchins scrambling for it. A cheeky, dirt-smattered face emerged triumphant from the mêlée with a yell of, ‘Mine!’

  Ben laughed. ‘Away to lookout. The Suzanna’s due!’ The boy started off. ‘Hi, come back here!’ The youngster pulled up sharp and turned enquiring eyes to him. ‘Mind you tell no one but me. Knock on the office window and I’ll come out.’

  The lad nodded and scampered off.

  An hour later the rap on the window sent Ben hurrying outside.

  ‘Suzanna beating in fast, sir.’

  He tossed another coin, which the urchin grabbed with dexterity then yelled his thanks and raced away.

  Ben bustled into the building and stepped briskly to Mr Carnforth’s office.

  ‘The Suzanna’s been sighted, sir,’ he announced, elated at being the first with the news.

  James sprang from his chair and hurried to the door. In the passage he paused to tell Ralph, who was beside him in a moment. Both men hurried out into the balmy August morning, observing the activity of a busy port, bringing wealth to ship-owners and merchants and putting money in the pockets of stevedores and labourers.

  ‘West Pier?’ called Ralph.

  ‘East!’ replied James. ‘Won’t have to wait for the bridge closing.’

  They hurried along Church Street into Henrietta Street beneath the towering East Cliff, negotiated the steep incline on to the stone pier itself, and strode out to the lighthouse from where they were afforded a view of the Suzanna, beating in towards the safety of the river.

  James felt a rush of pride as he watched her skilfully handled by Captain Merryweather, an experienced sailor of many years’ standing whose first voyage as a ten-year-old had been on James’s grandfather’s herring boat.

  ‘She looks well,’ commented James.

  ‘Aye, she does that,’ said Ralph. He was no sailor but he loved ships and had always been around them, and knew he would be ever grateful to John Carnforth for giving him a job, one in which hard work and the use of his sharp brain had enabled him to reach the post of manager. He saw his future as bright alongside the present owner with his ambitions to expand. Maybe the Suzanna was bringing home the fruits of the first suggestion he had made to James.

  They watched the ship slip through the gap between the piers with the minimum of fuss. In the calmness of the river she was taken in tow by boats ready for that purpose. As she was taken upstream and beyond the swing bridge to an east-side quay, James and Ralph hurried back the way they had come. As soon as the gangway was run out they went on board where a ruddy-faced Captain Merryweather greeted them with a broad smile, a firm handshake and an excited glint in his eyes.

  ‘Welcome home, Captain,’ James greeted him enthusiastically.

  ‘Good to see you back, Captain.’ Ralph, eager to hear the skipper’s news, searched his face for any indication.

  ‘My cabin, good sirs,’ said Merryweather and turned towards the stern. Within a few moments he was ushering them into his quarters. A bottle and three glasses stood ready on the table. Without a word he quickly filled the glasses and handed one to each of them saying, ‘Try that, gentlemen.’

  They savoured the wine and looked at Merryweather with questioning eyes as they both murmured their approval then added, ‘Excellent.’ ‘The best Madeira I have tasted.’

  ‘Good! Good! I’m glad you approve.’ The captain was filled with pride. His expression showed delight at their comments. ‘I’ve a hold full of it.’

  ‘What?’ both men gasped. They exchanged glances that were a mixture of disbelief, exuberance and astonishment.

  ‘It worked!’ There was laughter in Ralph’s face as he spoke to James.

  ‘Your idea - genius!’ James grasped his hand and shook it vigorously. He turned back to the Captain. ‘You’ve done well, getting this cargo.’

  Captain Merryweather’s face shone with pleasure. ‘The idea of giving your captains responsibility for the return cargo, which the firm will trade, naturally ensures we look for the best. It is far more interesting than merely picking up something someone back here has ordered.’

  ‘And you earn yourselves a better bonus,’ said James. ‘Well done! Did you make any enquiries about what I suggested?’ He glanced at Ralph, who looked at him questioningly. ‘I didn’t say anything about this before sailing because I didn’t want to steal your thunder if the idea hadn’t worked. Well, Captain?’

  ‘The firm from whom I bought the Madeira is an import and export business. Yes, they will take any wool we can ship from here, starting next year.’

  James let out a whoop of delight. ‘Well done, Captain, well done!’ He raised his glass. ‘To the future!’ Draining it, he addressed his manager once more.‘Attend to things here, Ralph. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

  He disembarked from the ship and hurried on his way among the crowds on the quay and streaming both ways across the bridge. James lost no time in reaching New Buildings.

  ‘Home at this time and looking very pleased with yourself? ’ commented Lena when he strode into the drawing-room.

  ‘I am,’ he grinned, flinging himself into a chair opposite his sister. He went on to tell her what had happened and concluded, ‘This was my first trading venture completely on my own initiative. Everything before had been set
in motion by Father.’

  ‘Congratulations,’ she said. ‘He would have been proud of you.’ Though she hoped she’d kept it out of her expression, she could not deny the touch of jealousy she felt then.

  ‘I thought you would be pleased to hear it. How have you been feeling of late?’

  ‘I’m much better, thank you.’

  ‘You are losing that wan colour and your eyes are brighter. It must be due to Alistair’s more frequent visits.’

  Lena smiled. ‘Maybe. Thank goodness there have been no more epidemics.’

  ‘I hear he did well to curtail the last one. Dr Jollif speaks highly of him and his devotion to his calling. Well, I must be off. I want to tell Olivia the good news.’

  Within a few minutes his arrival there was being announced by the maid to Mrs Nash and Olivia, who were busy with their patchwork in the sewing-room.

  ‘Show him into the drawing-room.’ When the maid had gone, Mrs Nash eyed her daughter with a twinkle in her eye. ‘I’m sure it’s only you he wants to see, Olivia. Off you go - don’t keep a young man waiting.’

  Olivia blushed but sprang from her chair and was gone in a flash, wondering what brought him here at this time of day. He had been a fairly regular visitor of late but she longed for the day when he would be out of mourning and able to escort her to social functions and private gatherings in the town. She slowed when she reached the hall, smoothed her dress, patted her hair and then made her entry.

  ‘James!’ she exclaimed. ‘What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here at this time of day?’

  The door clicked shut behind her. He strode across the room. The bright excitement in his eyes startled her. He swept her into his arms and hugged her.

  ‘James! What is it?’ she cried.

  He released her. ‘Sit down here,’ he said, leading her to a sofa. He sat down beside her, still holding her hand. Olivia’s heart was racing. What was coming?

  ‘I’ve completed my first transaction completely on my own . . . well, the idea came from Ralph but had to be authorised by me. I made some amendments - and it worked!’ He went on to tell her what it was all about. ‘From now on everything will be the way I’ve planned it.’ Excitement rose in his voice. ‘And the new ship, my idea, will play its part. It’s all so exciting!’

  ‘I’m very glad for you, James.’ Olivia expressed enthusiasm although inwardly she was chiding herself for thinking he had been going to announce something else. ‘Have you told Lena?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Good. I’m sure the news will help her to a full recovery. You know she’s very interested in the firm. Keep that interest going, James. She wishes she was more involved.’

  ‘You are must solicitous, Olivia, but I can’t involve her any more than by keeping her informed,’ he said in a cool voice, and she decided not to interfere further.

  ‘Lena, I think it would be wise if you had a few walks in the fresh air, say along the West Cliff, before the autumn days turn more chilly. Your illness . . . I call it so though I believe there was nothing medically wrong with you . . . was caused by the tragedy and it has taken a long time to right itself. You must never let dark thoughts into your mind again. You must resist any movement in that direction, especially when you are on your own. If ever you feel bound to consider them, talk to me. I am always here to help.’

  ‘Thank you, Alistair. Considerate and wise as always. You are going to be a wonderful doctor.’

  ‘I hope so. I will call for you at two tomorrow and we’ll take the first stroll. I must be away now - several visits to make.’ He rose from his chair. ‘I now throw off my role as your medical adviser,’ he said, and bent to kiss her on the lips. Lena’s hand clasped his arm and he allowed the kiss to linger. ‘I must go,’ he said reluctantly. ‘Take care. You are very precious to me.’ He kissed her quickly again and turned away.

  Lena watched him go. His step was firm, resolute; one which she knew would instil confidence in a patient, as would his manner and gentle voice. She admired much about him but still regretted his lack of affinity with the sea and the life of a merchant venturer. She had seen the excitement with which that could charge a man, watching James walk from this very room.

  Alistair’s kiss and his words ‘You are very precious to me,’ took her attention then. Was a proposal near? Probably when her period of mourning was over, and that was only eight weeks away. Lena’s mind spun. What, then, should her answer be? She and James had grown up with Alistair and Olivia, been their constant companions. She had shared her first kiss with Alistair. She smiled at the thought of that hasty peck when she was twelve, out of sight of the picnicking families, when they had veered away from James and Olivia in a game of tag. Alistair had been her good companion and friend always. They had shared much and, though unspoken, had both taken it for granted that they would spend their lives together. But when he had begun his medical training, she’d realised that was not the life she had envisaged sharing and that a certain spark in her feelings for him had disappeared. She knew no one else would realise it, not even Alistair for his love for her would blind him. She would soon be faced with a decision that would affect not only her life but that of others. So many people expected them to marry; it was probably why no other men had ever ventured close to her. When the moment came, should she do the expected? It would be far easier that way, after all. She bit her lip in frustration. A doctor’s wife? She visualised herself taking tea with the ladies of Whitby, discussing raising funds for the poor, helping at charity events and keeping up appearances as befitted her position. And Alistair had already hinted at her helping in his ministering to the poor and badly housed people of the town. Lena shuddered. Her mind turned instead to the excitement surrounding the activities of the bustling port; the life she had been near to all her years, and one she had visualised continuing with Alistair . . . until the day he had told her of his decision to become a doctor and the different dreams he held.

  Lena sprang out of her chair and crossed to the window and its view across Whitby. She stamped her foot with impatience. ‘Oh, Alistair, why didn’t you follow your father? You could have taken over a business that could have meant so much to us, and in which I could have helped you!’ she cried aloud. ‘What am I to say to you now?’

  There was a new spring in Alistair’s step as he walked away from the Carnforths’ residence. Lena was well on the way to a full recovery. He sensed she had almost thrown off the ill effects of losing her mother and father so tragically. He knew there could always be scars but hoped he would be able to erase them completely when her mourning period was over and then they could build a life together.

  He had been close to proposing to her but had held back, deeming it inappropriate to do so while the period of mourning, as demanded by society, still hung over her. Time would pass. He could easily wait another two months in his certainty that the girl he had loved since schooldays would then become his wife. The thought brought a smile of joy to his face. To spend the rest of his life with Lena would be wondrous, and to have her by his side as a doctor’s wife, able to devote her time to helping his endeavours to make Whitby a healthier and better place to live, would be the pinnacle of his dreams.

  He knew she and James had always been closer to the mercantile life of Whitby than he and Olivia had. They had never been as adventurous as their friends, and Alistair realised he and his sister had probably inherited their gentler approach to life from their mother, whereas Lena and James seemed to have inherited a taste for risk-taking from Jennie and John. Be that as it may, he did not see it as a disadvantage in a doctor’s wife. In fact, he thought it could be quite an asset, for Lena would surely have less abhorrence for what she might have to face than any other gently raised girl.

  ‘Is work on your new ship progressing well?’ asked Olivia as she and James left New Buildings one bright Sunday afternoon a week later.

  ‘Very well,’ he replied, a new light coming into his eyes at the mention of it. ‘She shoul
d be ready early next year. Would you like to go and see her now?’

  ‘I’d rather stroll on the West Cliff.’

  He hid his disappointment and said, ‘As you wish.’ If he had put the question to Lena, he knew she would have jumped at the chance. The thought of his sister prompted him to say, ‘I’m pleased Lena is looking so much better, thanks to Alistair, and of course to you.’

  ‘It’s all due to Alistair. He has watched over her recovery carefully.’

  ‘That’s as may be, but I think your frequent visits have also helped enormously - and from what Lena has told me, she believes you were instrumental in getting him to visit more frequently, as her doctor.’

  Olivia gave a little shrug of her shoulders. ‘He was getting so wrapped up in Whitby’s welfare, he was failing to see Lena was not well and needed his advice.’

  ‘We will always be grateful to you. You are a good friend to us both, but . . .’ James stopped and, with his hand on her arm, turned her to him. ‘Olivia, you are more than a friend to me.’

  Her heart beat faster as James pulled her to him and kissed her gently on the lips. ‘I’m in love with you. I think I always have been, ever since we were children.’

  She smiled, looking deep into his eyes. ‘I know I have been with you. You were always my hero. I loved to see you climbing around on the ships, and imagined you sailing into port and rescuing me from pirates.’ She chuckled at the recollection. ‘And now look at you, a handsome figure who still has that aura of adventure around him. A successful merchant with his own ships.’

  ‘And one of my very own, not one I have inherited, to be launched next March. Maybe on that day I’ll have something special to say to you.’

  Her heart skipped a beat. ‘What is that?’ she asked breathlessly.

  ‘Ah, you’ll have to wait until then.’

  The next day Lena sensed Olivia had something exciting to tell her. ‘Out with it,’ she prompted before her friend could sit down.