9780552172707

Since winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has published twenty novels and become one of the most popular authors in the UK.

Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley.

When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities.

Find out more about Val Wood’s novels by visiting her website at www.valeriewood.co.uk

Have you read all of Val Wood’s novels?

The Hungry Tide

Sarah Foster’s parents fight a constant battle with poverty – until wealthy John Rayner provides them with work and a home on the coast. But when he falls for their daughter, Sarah, can their love overcome the gulf of wealth and social standing dividing them?

Annie

Annie Swinburn has killed a man. The man was evil in every possible way, but she knows that her only fate if she stays in Hull is a hanging. So she runs as far away as she can – to a new life that could offer her the chance of love, in spite of the tragedy that has gone before . . .

Children of the Tide

A tired woman holding a baby knocks at the door of one of the big houses in Anlaby. She shoves the baby at young James Rayner, then she vanishes. The Rayner family is shattered –born into poverty, will a baby unite or divide the family?

The Gypsy Girl

Polly Anna’s mother died when she was just three years old. Alone in the world, the workhouse was the only place for her. But with the help of a young misfit she manages to escape, running away with the fairground folk. But will Polly Anna ever find somewhere she truly belongs?

Emily

A loving and hard-working child, Emily goes into service at just twelve years old. But when an employer’s son dishonours and betrays her, her fortunes seem to be at their lowest ebb. Can she journey from shame and imprisonment to a new life and fulfilment?

Going Home

For Amelia and her siblings, the grim past their mother Emily endured seems far away. But when a gentleman travels from Australia to meet Amelia’s family, she discovers the past casts a long shadow and that her tangled family history is inextricably bound up with his . . .

Rosa’s Island

Taken in as a child, orphaned Rosa grew up on an island off the coast of Yorkshire. Her mother, before she died, promised that one day Rosa’s father would return. But when two mysterious Irishmen come back to the island after many years, they threaten everything Rosa holds dear . . .

The Doorstep Girls

Ruby and Grace have grown up in the poorest slums of Hull. Friends since childhood, they have supported each other in bad times and good. As times grow harder, and money scarcer, the girls search for something that could take them far away . . . But what price will they pay to find it?

Far From Home

When Georgiana Gregory makes the long journey from Hull for New York, she hopes to escape the confines of English life. But once there, Georgiana finds she isn’t far from home when she encounters a man she knows – a man who presents dangers almost too much to cope with . . .

The Kitchen Maid

Jenny secures a job as kitchen maid in a grand house in Beverley – but her fortunes fail when scandal forces her to leave. Years later, she is mistress of a hall, but she never forgets the words a gypsy told her: that one day she will return to where she was happy and find her true love . . .

The Songbird

Poppy Mazzini has an ambition – to go on the stage. Her lovely voice and Italian looks lead her to great acclaim. But when her first love from her home town of Hull becomes engaged to someone else, she is devastated. Will Poppy have to choose between fame and true love?

Nobody’s Child

Now a prosperous Hull businesswoman, Susannah grew up with the terrible stigma of being nobody’s child. When daughter Laura returns to the Holderness village of her mother’s childhood, she will discover a story of poverty, heartbreak and a love that never dies . . .

Fallen Angels

After her dastardly husband tries to sell her, Lily Fowler is alone on the streets of Hull. Forced to work in a brothel, she forges friendships with the women there, and together they try to turn their lives around. Can they dare to dream of happy endings?

The Long Walk Home

When Mikey Quinn’s mother dies, he is determined to find a better life for his family – so he walks to London from Hull to seek his fortune. There he meets Eleanor, and they gradually make a new life for themselves. Eventually, though, they must make the long walk home to Hull . . .

Rich Girl, Poor Girl

Polly, living in poverty, finds herself alone when her mother dies. Rosalie, brought up in comfort on the other side of Hull, loses her own mother on the same day. When Polly takes a job in Rosalie’s house, the two girls form an unlikely friendship. United in tragedy, can they find happiness?

Homecoming Girls

The mysterious Jewel Newmarch turns heads wherever she goes, but she feels a longing to know her own roots. So she decides to return to her birthplace in America, where she learns about family, friendship, love and home. But most importantly, love . . .

The Harbour Girls

Jeannie spends her days at the water’s edge waiting for Ethan to come in from fishing. But then she falls for a handsome stranger. When he breaks his word, Jeannie finds herself pregnant and alone in a strange new town. Will she ever find someone to truly love her – and will Ethan ever forgive her?

The Innkeeper’s Daughter

Bella’s dreams of teaching are dashed when she has to take on the role of mother to her baby brother. Her days are brightened by visits from Jamie Lucan – but when the family is forced to move to Hull, Bella is forced to leave everything behind. Can she ever find her dream again?

His Brother’s Wife

The last thing Harriet expects after her mother dies is to marry a man she barely knows, but her only alternative is the workhouse. And so begins an unhappy marriage to Noah Tuke. The only person who offers her friendship is Noah’s brother, Fletcher – the one person she can’t possibly be with . . .

Every Mother’s Son

Daniel Tuke hopes to share his future with childhood friend Beatrice Hart. But his efforts to find out more about his heritage throw up some shocking truths: is there a connection between the families? Meanwhile, Daniel’s mother Harriet could never imagine that discoveries about her own family are also on the horizon . . .

Little Girl Lost

Margriet grew up as a lonely child in the old town of Hull. As she grows into adulthood she forms an unlikely friendship with some of the street children who roam the town. As Margriet acts upon her inspiration to help them, will the troubles of her past break her spirit, or will she be able to overcome them?

FARFROMHOME

ValerieWood Val Wood

TRANSWORLD PUBLISHERS

61–63 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5SA

www.penguin.co.uk

Transworld is part of the Penguin Random House group of companies whose addresses can be found at global.penguinrandomhouse.com

First published in Great Britain in 2003 by Bantam Press an imprint of Transworld Publishers Corgi edition published 2004 Corgi edition reissued 2016

Copyright © Valerie Wood 2003

Valerie Wood has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

This book is a work of fiction and, except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Every effort has been made to obtain the necessary permissions with reference to copyright material, both illustrative and quoted. We apologize for any omissions in this respect and will be pleased to make the appropriate acknowledgements in any future edition.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9780552172707

Typeset in 11.71/13.13pt New Baskerville by Kestrel Data, Exeter, Devon. Printed and bound by Clays Ltd, Bungay, Suffolk.

Penguin Random House is committed to a sustainable future for our business, our readers and our planet. This book is made from Forest Stewardship Council® certified paper.

1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

Formyfamily,withlove

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ThankstoNickEvans,B.A.,MaritimeHistorical Centre,BlaydesHouse,Hull,forinformationon nineteenth-centuryshippingandemigrationtoNew YorkandNewOrleans.Anyfabricationsorimprovisationsonfactaremine.

ThankstoPeterandRuthfortheirconstantsupport andtoCatherineforreadingthemanuscriptand checkingmygeography.

Booksforgeneralreading:

TheLureoftheFrontier byRalphHenryGabriel.Yale UniversityPress,NewHaven,1929. FrontierAmerica byThomasD.Clark.Charles Scribner’sSons,NewYork.

HistoryoftheAmericanPeople byPaulJohnson.Phoenix Giant.

TheAmericanWest byJohnA.Hawgood.Frontier Library,Eyre&Spottiswoode,London,1967.

CHAPTERONE

Georgianaleanedherarmsontherailsofthe packetship Wilberforce andwatchedtheshoresof Hullreceding.Thevesseldrewawayfromthe Humberdockbasin,downtheestuary,heading towardsSpurnPointandtheopensea.She turnedforamomenttowatchtheopposite shore,thatofLincolnshire,acountyshehad seldomvisited.Onitsflatplain,smokewasissuingfromfactorychimneys.Itseemssonear,she thought,nowthatIamtravellingsofar.

Turningagainshelookedbackforthelast timeatthebuildingsofHull,thetowersand turretsoftheHolyTrinity,StJohn’sandthe Mariner’schurches,andthetoweringWilberforceMonument.Shesawthethicksmoke issuingfromthetallchimneysofmillsand factorieswhichlinedthebanksoftheriverHull, andtheships’mastsintheHumberdockwhich graduallyreceded,theirsilhouettesframedin thebrightmorningsky.

AmIdoingright?shequestionedherself. CousinMayandherparentsareconvincedthatI amnotandexpectmetocomebackonthenext

ship!AndtheyarerightthatIhadacomfortable existencelivingwithAuntClarissa,thoughit couldn’tbedescribedaseventful.Oh,butImust beright!Icouldn’thavelivedinlimboany longer,waitingforsomeonetocomealongand rescuemeandgivemeadifferentlife.

Shenoddedherheadvigorouslyassheconfirmedherowndecision.Surely,betterbyfarto takethisopportunityandshapesomethingfor myself,shethought.

‘Iseverythingallright,MissGregory?’Her maid,Kitty,plumpinnumerouswoollenshawls, cloakandbonnet,appearedatherside. ‘Wouldn’tyouliketocomeinside?It’ssocold hereondeck.’

‘No,’Georgianarefused.‘Imightbeseeing thisforthelasttime.Imustwatchitdisappear intothepastsothatIcanrememberit.’

‘That’swhatI’mscaredof,MissGregory.I’ve neverknownanythingelsebutthisplace.Hull andHessle,Imean.BorninHullIwas,though mymaanddawereIrish.’

‘Andyouhadn’ttravelledanywhereelseuntil youcametoworkformyaunt?’

‘No,miss.’Thegirlsmiled,dimplesshowingin hercheeks.‘AndIthoughtIwastravelling to’endsoftheearthwhencoachiedrovemeto Hessle.’Hersmilefaded.‘IwishMaandDa couldhaveseen’finehouseIwasworkingin. Theybothdied’followingyear,’sheaddedwitha catchinhervoice.‘Cholera.’

‘Theywouldhavebeengladforyou,I’msure,’ Georgianasaidsoftly,‘andperhapspleasedthat youaremakingthisjourneynow?’

‘Idon’tknowaboutthat,MissGregory.’Kitty’s eyesstartedtowaterasthebreezefreshened.She tuckedawispofredhairbeneathherbonnet. ‘They’dhavebeenworriedthatIwastravellingto Americawithjustmymistressandno-onetolook afterus.’

‘Mmm,’Georgianasaidthoughtfully.‘Everyoneisworriedaboutthat,includingme,’she added.‘IoncesaidthatIcouldn’timagineatime whenawomanwouldtravelalone,and,’she remembered,‘someonerepliedthattherewould alwaysbesomewomenwhowouldbeindependentenoughtodothat.Itookitasakindof challenge!’

‘Butyou’veneverbeenafraidtospeakout, haveyou,miss?’Kittysaidboldly.‘Withyour Women’sRightsandsuchlike.Notlikemewho daren’tsaybootoagoose!’

‘Youheardaboutthat,didyou,Kitty?’ Georgianasmiled.‘Well,Isupposethatwasone ofthereasonsformymakingthisjourney.I’ll belongdeadbeforewomengetequalityin England.’

Butthatisonlypartlythereasonforleaving EnglandtosailtotheNewWorld,shereflected. Idolongforsomeexcitementinmylife,butit wasCousinMaywhomademetakethisdrastic decision.Shesighed.Iwassoheartilysickof hermoaningandcarpingonaboutherhusband whohadgoneoffandleftheraftersucha shortmarriage.MayneverthoughtthatImight becomewearyofherconstantdemandsthatwe discusstherightsandwrongsofEdwardandher maritalsituation.NordidsheconsiderthatI

mighthaveinterestsofmyown!AndofcourseI feltobligedtoindulgeher,asherfathersupports me.

Butnotanymore,shethoughtgleefully.I havemyfreedom!Thoughmyunclehasbeen generoustowardsmeinfundingthisvoyage.But I’llpayhimbackoneday.IswearIwill.I’llshow him,andeveryoneelsewhohassaidthatI’mout ofmysenses,thatIcanstandonmyownfeet, eventhoughI’mamerewomanwhohasnever liftedafingerinherlife.

‘Iwantfreedomandindependence,Kitty,’she saidaloud.‘Tochangemylifeifitispossible.’

‘Yes,ma’am,’Kittyagreed,then,glancingat heremployer,saidbashfully,‘we’llbeallright, don’tyouworry.I’lllookafteryouinthatnew countryofAmerica.’

Georgiananodded.‘We’lllookaftereach other,Kitty.’

Kittywentofftochecktheirluggage,first puttingoneofherownshawlsaroundthe shouldersofGeorgiana’stravellinggownand jacket,tosavehercatchingachill.Georgiana wantedtocatchalastglimpseofthevillages ontheedgeoftheHumberbanks.Placessuch asPaullwithitsdilapidatedmedievalfortand shrimpboats,thestrange-soundingSunkIsland, reclaimedfromtheriverbed,andthetongueof SpurnatthemouthoftheHumberwhichtwo yearsbeforehadbeenbreachedbyagreatstorm, changingitsshapeandmakingitalmostanisland.

WhatwillIdowhenIgettothisnewcountry? shewondered.I’veheardsuchwildrumoursthat someofitisuntamedwithferociousnatives,but

alsothatthecitiesofPhiladelphiaandBoston arewellestablished.NewYorkisafinecity,soit issaid,ameltingpotofnationalities.Ishould likethat,tomeetpeoplefromothercultures.

PerhapsIcouldteach,sheconsidered.English orFrench.Oropenashop!Howappalled CousinMaywouldbe.AtanyrateImustthinkof earningalivingforthefirsttimeinmylife.

Itwasasharpcoldmorningandshestartedto feelchilledinspiteoftheextrashawl,and returnedtothecabin,whereshefoundKitty boilingakettleonasmalloilstovetomakea drink.

‘There’llbefoodinthesaloonattwoo’clock, MissGregory,’Kittysaid.‘I’vebeentalkingto someof’otherpassengers,themashavetravelled thiswaybefore.There’saboutfifteenofusall told.Somearebusinessmen,andtheysaidthat goingtoLondonbyshipisbetterthanbytrain. There’ssomebullocksonboard,’sheadded,‘and apackofdogs,they’reallhowling!

‘We’llhavegotoursealegsby’timewearrive inLondon,Iexpect,’shecontinued,pouring boilingwaterontotealeavesinapotasshe chatted.‘Propersailorswe’llbebythen.Putthat blanketroundyou,miss,you’llsoongetwarm.’

Georgianalaughed.‘I’mgladyoucamewith me,Kitty.You’llcheermeupwhenI’mworrying whetherI’vemadetherightdecision.’

‘Well,lookatitthisway,miss.’Kittypoured teaintoacup,addedmilkandhandeditto Georgiana.‘Whatwouldyouhavegainedby staying?Youmighthavegotmarried,butthere’s noguaranteeyou’dhavebeensatisfiedwith

that,andmeneither,’sheadded.‘There’sbeen nobodythatI’vefanciedenoughtotiemyselfto forlife.Andlookatyourcousin,MrsEdward Newmarch.Shepickedawrong’unthere–if you’llpardonmyimpertinence.’Sheblushedand stopped,consciousthatinherchatteringshehad oversteppedthemark.

‘Isupposeeveryonehasheardofthat?’ Georgianaasked.‘Everyonedownstairs?’

‘Ohyes,miss.It’sbeengossipforweeksin ’kitchen.HowMrNewmarchhadamistressand wantedhertotravelwithhimtoAmerica.Onny shewouldn’tgo,sohewentonhisownanyway andlefthiswifebehindtofendforherself.But theydon’ttalkaboutthemnow,theytalkabout hisbrotherMartinandhowhe’smarryinga womanwho’spulledherselfupfrompovertyand madeanameforherself.’

‘Yes.’Georgianadrewinabreath,thentooka sipoftea.‘Soheis.’AndMartinwouldhave marriedme,shethought,ifIhadheldhimtohis offer.OnlyIcouldn’t.Heistooniceamanto bemarriedtosomeonelikeme,arestlesssoul lookingforwhoknowswhat.

Theywentbackondeckastheyapproached SpurnPoint,holdingfasttotherailsastheship dippedandrolledandmadeheadwayintothe opensea.Otherpassengerscameondeckasthey passedtheSpurnlighthouse,andwavedgoodbye tothereturningpilotboatandtheeasternshores ofEngland.

‘That’sit,then,Kitty,’Georgianamurmuredas sheclungontoherbonnetandhuddledintoher cloak.‘We’reonourway.’

Kitty’sfacewasturningashadeofpalegreen. ‘Yes,miss,’shewhispered.‘Excuseme.Ithink I’mgoingtobesick!’

TheydisembarkedatLondonBridge,theirlegs decidedlyunsteadyforthepassagehadbeen unseasonablyrough.Aportercalledtothemas hestoodbytheirluggage.‘Comeonlady,you andyourgel!YougoingtotheBrunswick?Yes? Takethisgrowler.’Hewhistledtothedriverofa four-wheeledhirevehicle,whodrewuponthe wharfinfrontofthem.‘BrunswickHotel,me lad,’heshouted,‘andlooksnappy.’

‘There’snorealhurry,’Georgianabegan,for theywerenotsailingfortwomoredays,butthey werenosoonerseatedandtheirluggageon boardthanthedriverwascrackinghiswhipand theywerebuffetedaroundasthecarriagewove inandoutofothervehicles,gigs,hansoms, waggonettes,victorias,waggonsandhandcarts.

‘Whatbedlam,miss!’Kittyexclaimed.‘Whata row.’Abarrageofsoundhadhittheirears:the raucoustonesofportersanddockworkers, theclatterofironhoovesandracketofwheelson cobbles,thelashofwhips,theshriekingand cryingofchildrenandthestridentvoicesof harassedadultsastheytriedinvaintoquieten them.

Georgianaputherhandoverhernose.‘And thestench!’shesaid.‘It’sdreadful.’

‘Noworsethan’riverHull,miss,’Kitty declared.‘Ifyoulivedalong’GroveslikeIonce did,yougotusedto’stinkfrom’river.Justlike thisitwas,’sheaddedcheerfully.‘Icouldfeel

quiteathome.Except,’shesniffed,‘Icansmell oranges.’

Georgianatookatentativesniff.‘You’reright.’ Shebreathedinagainandfound,minglingwith theodoursoftheriver,thesweetnectareous scentoforangeswhichwerepackedincratesat thedockside.

ThedrivertookthemtotheBrunswickHotel wheretheyhadroomsbookeduntiltheirdayof departure.Fromtheirwindowtheylookedacross theThamesattheGreenwichPeninsula,and belowontothewharffromwheretheywouldsail. ‘Millions ofpeople,miss!’Kittycriedexcitedly. ‘Justlookatthem,I’veneverseensomanyfolk! Somehavecomebytrain,Iexpect.Railway station’sjustdownthere.’

‘We’llwalkouttomorrow,’Georgianasaid. ‘We’llgetourbearings,buyextraprovisionsand seewhereourshipsailsfrom.’Shewasbeginning tobecomeanimatedtoo,nowthattheywerehere inLondon.Thenaggingdoubtsthatshehadhad werestartingtofadeaway,andherdreamofa newlifebegantotakeonareality.

Thenextdaytheysteppedouttolookatthe shipsbeingmadereadyforvoyagesacross theAtlantic.Itseemedlikepandemoniumas portersrushedaroundrollingbarrels,carrying casks,heavingcratesandbaskets,andallthe whileshoutingtooneanother.‘Comeon,Jack. Getamoveon!’‘Here,Harry.Giveusahandwith this!’‘Nowthen,melad,looksharp,theshipsails todaynottomorrer.’

Tipsyseamen,whowerenotondutyandhad spentthepreviousnightinalehouses,rollicked

aroundthewharfwithmerrygirlsontheirarms. Somehadparrotsontheirshoulderswhich shriekedobscenitiesandwhistledatpassers-by. Otherseamen,theirshirtsleevesrolledupto revealbrowntattooedmuscles,coiledropes, scrutinizedriggingandclimbedoverpassengers whohadsettledthemselvesonthedecksoftheir shipstochecktickets,trunks,food,counttheir moneyandtheirchildren.

GeorgianaandKittypinpointedtheirvessel, the Paragon ,athree-mastedironshipwith threedeckswhichtheywereduetoboardthe followingday.Thentheywalkedawayfrom thedocksidetofindshopswheretheycould buyprovisions.Abutchersoldthemsaltbeef, andagrocer’sshopsuppliedeggs,riceanda fruitcaketosupplementthefoodwhichthey wouldgetonboard.Itinerantsalesmencarrying woodentraysandboxesattemptedtopersuade themtobuyUnionflags,crudepaintingsof London,watcheswhichwere genuine goldandall mannerofitemswhichtheywereassuredwould beverynecessaryfortheirjourneytotheNew World.

Whentheyreturnedtothewharfthesoundof singinggreetedthem.Anassemblyofpassengers hadgatheredonthetopdeckofoneoftheships andweregustilysinginghymns.Aqueueof peoplewaitingtoboardjoinedinthehymnsingingastheypatientlystoodwiththeirtickets intheirhandsandabrightexpectantexpression ontheirfaces.

‘Mormons,’Georgianamurmured,andoneof thewaitingmalepassengersturnedasmiling

facetoherandconfirmedherremark.‘That’s right,ma’am.We’retravellingwithourbrethren toSaltLakeCity,thecityofsaints.We’refollowinginthefootstepsofourgreatprophet.’He soundedWelsh,Georgianathought,hisvoice sing-songandmelodic.

‘Goodlucktoyou,’shesaid.‘Iunderstand you’llhavealongjourneyacrosstheplainsof America?’

‘Wedo,ma’am,’heconfirmed.‘Butwehave ourbelieftosustainus.Comewithus,’hecried heartily,includingthembothinhisenthusiasm. ‘Youwillfindtrueloveandhappiness.’XX

‘Didyousayyouwerewalking?’Kittyaskedin astonishment.Whenhenodded,shegrinned andsaid,‘Mybootsareonnyfitfortownstreets. Notfortrekking!’

Helaughedandsaidthathisbootswereunsuitable,too.‘Butourfaithwillcarryusonwards,’ hedeclared,andwithagreatburstofenergy joinedinthehymn-singingashemoveddown thelinetowardstheship.

Georgianalookedaroundatthepassengers waitingonthewharfsideforotherships.Some weresittingoncratesandpackingcases,and werewearinganairofresignationasiftheyhad beentherealongtime.Otherswerepacing about,anxioustobeontheirway.Mostlythey wereshabbilydressed,countrypeoplesome ofthem,thewomenwithworriedexpressions, wearinghand-knittedshawlsandhome-made bonnetsandcarryingbabiesintheirarms.The menwereinroughtwilltrousers,thickwool jacketsandheavyboots.

Buttherewereothers,betterdressed,and cometoviewthesceneandthesesheguessed, likeherself,hadpaidforafirst-classticketanda littlemorecomfortonboard.

Georgianatookadeepbreath.Weareall takingachance,shethought.Everysingleoneof us,regardlessofwealthorstatus.Likethose Mormonswemusthavefaiththatitwillturnout well,butIwishIcouldbeassureastheyare.

Theyboardedthe Paragon thenextdayand theirluggagewasbroughtonboard.Georgiana’s cabinwasontheupperdeckandKitty’sonthe second,wherebunkswereplacedaroundthe sidesandpartitionedoffwithcurtainsforprivacy.

‘I’mgladI’mnotdownbelowon’bottomdeck, miss.’Kittyhadreturnedafterexploring.‘It’sso darkdownthere,eventhoughmostfolkhavegot alantern.’

Georgianaalsowenttolookaroundtheship andwashorrifiedtoseewhereKittywouldbe sleeping.Theseconddeckwascrowdedwith womenandchildren,allquiterespectable,but theatmospherewasclaustrophobicwithonlya trapdoorintheceilingtoletinlightandair.On thelowerdeck,thesteeragequarters,menwere drinkingorplayingcardsandthewomensat indesultoryfashionwithchildrenabouttheir knees.

‘Youmustcomeuponthetopdeck,Kitty,’ Georgianadeclaredandimmediatelymade arrangementsforanothercabin,which,though notpremierclassasherswas,wasmorecomfortable.

‘WhenwearriveinAmerica,we’llstayinNew

Yorkforawhile,’GeorgianatoldKittyasshe unpackedthebags.‘We’llhavealookaround. Thestateisverybig,Ibelieve,butnotallofit iscivilized,sowemusttakecare.Butwewill enquireandfindoutwhatopportunitiesare availabletous.’

‘You’renotthinkingofworkingforaliving, MissGregory?’Kitty’svoicewasshocked.‘You’ll takeahouse,won’tyou,andentertain?’Her wordsdriftedaway.‘Imean–aladylikeyou?’

‘Idon’tknowyet,Kitty.’Georgianadecidedto confideinher.Afterall,shehadbroughtthegirl awayfromasecure,comfortableposition.‘Ihave enoughmoneytolastusforawhile,butImust looktoimproveoursituation.’

‘Well,Icangetajobofwork,miss,cleaning housesorinashop.Icouldevensingin’streets ifnecessary,’Kittyaddedcheerfully.‘Mydaallus said,‘‘Sureandyouhavethevoiceofanangel.’’’

‘Well,iftheworstcomestotheworst,that’s whatwe’lldo.’Georgianasoundedmoreconfidentthansheactuallywas.‘Youcansingand I’llplaythepianoforoursupper.’

Thevoyagewassettobelongandtedious.It wasnowMarchandtheyexpectedtobeinNew YorkbythefirstorsecondweekinMay.The weatherwasfairforthefirstfortnight,withastiff breeze,andtheymadegoodprogress.Then roughweathergotupandthoughthewind wasintheirfavour,theseawasrunninghigh withmassivewavesandmanypassengersbecame sick.

Georgianastaggeredtohercabindoorfor

someairandlookedoutatthespectacleinfront ofher.Theseawasmountainous,toweringhigh abovetheship.Thesunshonebrilliantly,catchingeverygreatwave,eachbillowingswelland tossingwhitehorsewithitsflashingintensity,so thatshehadtoshieldhereyesfromitsbrightness.

‘Howwonderful,’shemurmured,thendashed backinsidetobesick.

Thewindandseaeventuallycalmedand GeorgianaandKittywereabletotakeawalk eachdayandminglewithsomeoftheother first-classpassengers.Theship’sMasterinvited Georgianatotakesupperwithhim,hisofficers andanelderlylady.MrsBurrowswas,he informedher,aformerresidentofBeverley,the shiretownoftheEastRidingofYorkshire,noted foritsfineMinsterandhorseracing.

‘MrsBurrows,IwouldlikeyoutomeetMiss Gregorywhoisalsofromyourarea.’Captain Parkesmadetheintroductionsandinvitedthem tobeseatedatalongoaktableinthelowceilingeddiningarea,whichwasadjacenttothe Master’scabin.Thetablewassetwithpewter plates,fineglasswareandcrispwhitetablelinen. ‘Asyouarebothtravellingalone,Ithought perhapsyoumightcaretobeacquainted. Mostofourotherpassengersareinfamiliesor groups—’

‘AreyouoneoftheHessleGregorys?’Mrs Burrowsboomed,cuttingthecaptainoffinhis verbalflow.‘MontagueGregory?’

‘Myuncle.’Georgianabegantoexplainher relationshipbutwasinterruptedbyMrsBurrows

whoaskedinaloudvoice,‘Travellingalone?No gentlemantoescortyou?’

‘Exactlyso,MrsBurrows.Apartfrommy maid.’Georgianawastight-lipped,certainthat thistall,ratherformidablewomandressedin anold-fashionedblackgownwithleg-o’-mutton sleeves,alacecappinnedtohergreyhair,was abouttolectureheronsuchindecorousand foolishbehaviour.

‘Gladtohearit!’MrsBurrowsexclaimed.‘IfI candoitsocanyou.It’sabouttimeyouyoung womenstoodupforyourentitlements.’

Georgianagaveasmallgasp.Suchanunexpectedstatementcomingfromawomanwho mustbenearlysixtyyearsofage!

‘Shockedyou,haveI?’MrsBurrowsgavea cackle.‘ThoughtImight.Iusuallydo.Most youngpeoplethinkthatIshouldbeinmybath chair–orinawoodenbox!’sheadded,givinga furthercackle.‘ButI’mnot,anddon’tintendto be,notjustyetatanyrate.’

‘I’mdelightedtohearit,’Georgianasaid warmly.‘Soverypleased.Oneofthereasonsfor myleavingEnglandisbecauseIknowIwillbe oldbeforeequalitycomestoEnglishwomen.’

‘Andwhat’stheotherreason?’MrsBurrows demanded,glancingupandnoddingatthe officersastheyarrivedandCaptainParkes introducedthemonebyone.Shewatchedasthe cabinboydishedupthesoupwithanunsteady hand.‘You’renew,areyounot?’sheaskedhim, conductingtwoconversationsatthesametime, thentoldhimhewouldeventuallygetusedtothe motionoftheshipbeforehehadtimetoanswer.

‘Notlookingforahusband?’Shecontinued herconversationwithGeorgianawithhardlya pauseandgazedatherwithanunflinchingeye.

‘No,thatisnotonthelistofmypriorities,’ Georgianamurmured,consciousthattheattentionsoftheofficerswereonher.‘Iwanttobuild alifeofmyown.’

‘Rich,then,areyou?’MrsBurrowsasked.‘For there’snotmuchopentosinglewomeneven inthebrightNewWorld.Well,notforyoung womensuchasyou.You’llnotwanttobechasing afterthe forty-niners likesomefoolishyoung womendid!’

Georgianastaredblankly.Whatwasshetalking about?

‘Goldminers!’MrsBurrowsexpounded. ‘You’llfindNewYorkalmostempty.Allthemen rushedofftoCaliforniatwoyearsagowhen theyheardofthegold.Andhalfthefemalesin NewYorkwentafterthem.Notgentlewomen,of course,’sheaddedandbrokeherbreadinto pieces.

‘Werenoneofyougentlementemptedtojump shipandlookforgold?’MrsBurrowsaddressed theofficersquiteinformallyandinaloudvoice.

Oneortwooftheofficersshooktheirheads andanswered,‘No,ma’am.’

Thecaptainspokeuphurriedly,asifhehad beenwaitingforachancetosaysomething.‘I lostsomeofmycrewlastyear,’hesaid.‘Thecook wentandacoupleoftheapprenticelads.They wereswayedbythelureofgold.’

‘Allthey’llgetisdirtyfingernails,’MrsBurrows saidtetchily,‘andanachingback.Mysonlost

halfofhisemployees,butthey’redriftingback, onebyone.’

‘Whatisthepurposeofyourtrip,Mrs Burrows?Areyouvisitingfamily?’Georgianawas curiousabouther:shewaseitherverybraveor veryfoolhardytobetravellingsofaratherage.

‘I’veuppedsticksnow.’MrsBurrowstookasip ofwinefromacrystalglass.‘I’vebeentwice beforetoNewYorktovisitmyson,butthiswill bethelasttime.Ishallstay.Shan’treturnto Englandagain.I’venobodythereanymore.All myfriendsaredying.Gotnobackbone.’Shetook anotherdrink.‘No,I’llstayinNewYorkandset offafewcrackers,wakesomeofthemNewYork gelsupabit.’SheturnedandgaveGeorgianaa wickedgrinwhichcreasedherfaceintowrinkles. ‘TheythinkI’maneccentricoldEnglishwoman,’ shesaid.‘Can’tthinkwhy!’

Theymetfrequentlyafterthatand,wrappedin cloaksandshawls,tookwalkstogetheralongthe deck.GeorgianatoldMrsBurrowsofherinvolvementwiththeWomen’sRightsgroupwhichshe hadbelongedto,andhowshehopedthatwomen inAmericahadmoreequalitywithmenthan theyhadinEngland.

‘Don’tbedisappointedwhenyoufindthatthey don’t,’MrsBurrowsharrumphed.‘Menmakethe rulesjustastheydoathome!Andthoughthere aresomewomenwhoareverycommittedto equality,Ihavefoundthatthemajorityarevery lethargic.Didyouhearofthatnortherntour withtheyoungwomanwhomadeagreatimpact byspeakingonpovertyandchildlabour?’she askedabruptly.‘Gracesomething?MissGrace?

Thenewspaperssaidthatshewasverypoor,but Idon’tsupposeshewasaspoorastheymade out!’

‘Indeedshewas,MrsBurrows!Iknowthatfor afactforIwasthere.Butshehasnowpulled herselfupfrompoverty.’

Astheywalked,MrsBurrowshungontoher bonnetasthewindthreatenedtotearitoff.‘Soit ispossible,’shemurmured.‘Allyouneedis determination,andmaybeahelpinghand.Of course,’shewenton,‘inAmericaitispossibleto overcomeadversity.Thereisarulingclassasin England,butthatclassismadeupfromwealth andnotfromaristocracy,andifyoubecome wealthythroughhardworkandendeavour,nooneisgoingtolookdownuponyoubecauseyou arefromthelabouringclasses.’

Georgianasighed.‘Butwomenarestill excluded.Theydonothavethesamefreedomas men!’

MrsBurrowsshookherhead.‘Whatyoucould do,’shesaid,‘isfindyourselfarichamenable husbandandsucceedinyourambitionsthrough him.Manypoliticalwivesdoso.’Sheglancedat Georgiana.‘ButIdon’tsupposeyouwouldwant todothat?Itwouldn’tsuit?’

Georgianaconsidered.Whatisthepointof travellingsofarandtyingmyselftosomeman whoseidealsarenotthesameasmineandwho makesdecisionsforme?Icouldhavestayedin Englandanddonethat.‘No,’shesaidfirmly.‘I wouldn’twanttodothat.Itwouldn’tsuitatall.’

‘Thengoodlucktoyou,mydear,’MrsBurrows saidwryly.‘You’regoingtoneedit!’

CHAPTERTWO

MrsBurrowshadrecommendedanhotelinNew York,closetotheparkwhichwasbeingcreated inthecentre,anareaofgardens,pleasantwalks, lakesandarbours.‘Notfinishedyet,’shesaid. ‘Butaskthemforaroomwithawindowoverlookingit,’sheadded.‘Justincaseyouget homesickforthegreennessofEngland.’Shehad givenawistfulsmile.‘Asyouwill.’

Georgianawasenthralledbythelovely harbourastheysailedtowardsManhattanIsland andsaw,bathedinthewarmsunlightofspring, thepanoramaoftallbuildingsofNewYork.

Livingasshehad,neartotheYorkshiretownof Hullwithitsnarrowmedievalstreets,shewas mostimpressedbythewideroads,carriageways andboulevards,andthehandsomemansions builtuponthem.Kittygazedoutofthehackneycarriagewindow,amazedatthemagnificent hotelsandtheshoppingplazasastheytravelled alongBroadway,thelongbroadavenuewhich ranthroughthecentre.

Theybothdrewinabreathwhenthecarriage pulledupoutsidethePortlandHotel,Georgiana

indismayasshewonderedhowshewouldafford suchluxury,andKittyindelightasshesawthe uniformedbellboysandcommissionaireswaiting onthewidestepstoopenthecarriagedoorsand leadthemthroughthecentralglasslobbyinto thereceptionhall.

‘Tworooms,ifyouplease,’Georgianaasked thereceptionclerk.‘Formyselfandmymaid.’

‘Foryourselfandyourhelp,madam?You’re justinfromEngland,Icantell!’hesaid,and glancedathisregister.‘I’mnotsureifwecan accommodateyou,’hemurmured.‘We’resovery busyjustnow.’Hetappedhisfingersonhis mouthasheconsidered.

‘ThehotelisrecommendedbyMrsBurrows,’ Georgianasaidfirmly,thinkingthatnomatter thecost,allshewantedtodowasclimbintoa bedwhichdidn’trock.‘Sheparticularlysaidto mentionhername.’

‘MrsBurrows!TheEnglishlady.Issheafriend ofyours,madam?’hesaidenthusiastically.‘Ijust adoreher,sheissoquaint!’

Georgianaraisedhereyebrowsbutmadeno rejoinderonhiscommentandafterturningover apageinhisregister,henodded,askedherto sign,snappedhisfingersatapassingbellboyand toldhimtotakeMissGregoryandMissKitty Kellyuptotheirroomsonthefourthfloor. ‘Yourluggagewillfollowshortly,MissGregory. WelcometothePortland.Ihopeyouenjoyyour stay.’

Abedwithmuslindrapesdominated Georgiana’slargeandluxuriousroom,butas wellasawardrobeandchestsofdrawers,there

wasawritingdeskandcomfortablechairsplaced bythewindowwhichoverlookedthenewpark. Shesawmendiggingandplantingtreesinthe grassandstrangely,shethought,therewerepigs snufflinginthenewlydugarea.Onopening anotherdoorattheothersideoftheroom, Georgianadiscoveredabathroomwithabathtub,awashstandandamahoganytowelrail drapedwiththickwhitetowels.

‘Oh,miss.It’slovely,’Kittysaid.‘Aproper bathroom.’

‘Don’tgettoofondofit,Kitty,’Georgianatold her.‘We’llstayforaweekortwountilwefindour wayaroundandthenlookaboutforsomethinga littlesmallerandlessexpensive.’AndImusttry torememberthatKittyismy help andnotmy servant!

Theybothhadarest,thenGeorgianaputon hershouldercapeandherhatandtheywent downintothefoyer.Kittycarriedanumbrella, fortheblueskieswerecloudingover,andthey strolledoutofthehoteltoexplorethestreetsof NewYork.

‘Folksisveryfriendly,MissGregory,’Kitty remarked.Shewasverybrightandchirpyand veryexcitedatthenewnessofitall.

Georgianaagreed.Mentouchedtheirhatsas theypassedandladiesinclinedtheirheads.‘I thinktheymustknowwehavejustcomeoffa ship,’shesaid.‘Wemusthavethestampof Englishnessonus.ThoughIunderstandthat therearemanyEnglishpeoplehere,inspiteofit beingaDutchcityoriginally.’

But,astheyexplored,theyrealizedthatitwas

notonlytheEnglishandDutchwhoinhabited thiscity,butpeoplefrommanynations,German, Italian,IrishandFrench.Astheystrayeddown sidestreets,Indian,MexicanandSpanishmen leanedinapparentidlenessagainstdoorways. Therewerealsotenementbuildingscrowded together,withchildrensittingonthedoorsteps, andGeorgianawasremindedthat,asinEngland,notalloftheNewYorkresidentswere affluent.

‘It’sabitlikehome,MissGregory,isn’tit?’ Kittysaidinasubduedvoice.‘There’snogetting awayfrompoorfolks,there’sevenpigsrooting aroundamongsttherubbish.’

‘You’reabsolutelyright,Kitty,’Georgiana agreed.Shefoundshewasratherdespondent andmaybeevenatriflehomesick,asMrs Burrowshadsaidshemightbe.‘Comealong, we’veseenenoughfortoday.Let’sgobacktothe hotelfortea.’

Thehotelloungewaslargeanddividedup intosmallerareasbystandsofexoticplantsand flowersandtallChinesevases.Apianostoodin onecornerandGeorgianalookedatitlongingly. Oneofthethingsshewasmissingwashermusic. Shewasanaccomplishedplayer,thoughshe hadn’tastrongmelodicvoice.Aftertheyhad teainthehotelKittyexcusedherselfandsaid shewouldgoupstairsandstartunpackingthe trunks.‘EverythingwillbecreasedifIdon’t.Do youthinkthey’llhaveanironingroom,Miss Gregory?’

‘I’msuretheywill,Kitty.Justaskatthereceptiondesk,’andGeorgianasmiledtoherselfover

thefactthatshehadtakenteawithhermaid, somethingshewouldneverhavedoneathome inEngland.

Awomanapproachedherasshewasidly watchingpeoplearrivinganddepartingthrough theglassswingdoors.Shewasperhapsinher earlythirtiesanddressedinayellowsilkgown withavoluminousskirtandawidestrawhat trimmedwithribbonsandflowers.‘Ibegyour pardon.’Shespokeinahighdrawlingvoice.‘But Ihaven’tseenyouherebefore.Areyounewly arrivedfromEngland?’

‘Iam.’Georgianasmiled,gladtotalktosomeone.‘Justthismorning.’

Thewomanheldhergaze.‘Thenwelcome.I amMrsJohnCharlesworth.Myhusbandand IlivehereatthePortland.’

‘GeorgianaGregory,’Georgianaresponded. ‘I’mfromtheeastcoastofEngland.Won’tyousit down?’Sheindicatedthechairnearesttoher.

MrsCharlesworthsankintothechairand signalledtoabellboy.‘Yourhusband,Mrs Gregory?HeispresumablyonbusinessinNew York?’

‘Ihavenohusband,MrsCharlesworth.’

‘Oh!’MrsCharlesworthseemedtakenaback butrecoveredenoughtoordercoffeeforthem both,whichGeorgianadeclined,explainingthat shehadjusthadtea.‘Thenyouhaveacompanionwithyou?Isaw—’

‘Mymaid,or help asservantsappeartobe addressedhere.’

‘Oh,don’ttakeanynoticeofthatsilly nonsense.’MrsCharlesworthwavedalazyhand

indismissal.‘It’sonlytheclerksanddomestics whodon’tcaretobeaddressedasservants.But we stillcallthemthat!Oratleasttheladiesdo, I’mnotsureaboutthegentlemen.’

Thebellboybroughthercoffeeandpoured it.Shetookasip,thenasked,‘Soyoumust bevisitingfamily?IsyourhomenearLondon? Itmusthavebeenterribletravellingaloneon theshipwithallthosedreadfulreligiousimmigrants?’

‘IlivealongwayfromLondon.Theeastcoast ofEngland,’Georgianarepeatedandknewher voicehadgrownsharp.‘AndtheMormons,if indeedthatiswhoyoumean,travelonseparate ships.’

‘Well,theydon’tstayhere,thankgoodness,’ MrsCharlesworthcontinued.‘They’llbeoffon theirtrektoUtah,Iexpect.Therearethousands ofthem,youknow,andtheirleaderBrigham YounghasjustbeenmadeaGovernor!’

‘Iknowlittleaboutthem,’Georgianareplied briskly,‘exceptthattheirfaithappearstobe genuine.’Shewaswonderinghowshecouldbest makeherescapefromthiswoman,whenMrs Charlesworthrepeatedherquestionofwhether shewasvisitingfamily.

‘Iamnot,’Georgianareplied.‘Iamintending tomakeanewlifeformyselfinAmerica.’

MrsCharlesworthstaredather.‘Butyoumust havesomeprotection!’sheprotested.‘Youwon’t realize,comingfromasmallcountry,thatyou willbeatthemercyofeveryracketeerand swindlerintown!Iwillspeaktomyhusband aboutwhatmustbedone.’

‘Pleasedon’t,MrsCharlesworth,’Georgiana saidwithasmuchself-controlasshecould muster,thoughshewasseethingattheaudacity ofthiswoman,whomshehadonlyjustmet, preparingtoorganizeherlife.‘Whenthese dreadfulpeopleofwhomyouspeakhearthatI havenothingworthstealing,thentheywillleave mealoneandgoontoricherpickings.’

AsGeorgianaoutlinedherstatus,MrsCharlesworthlookedherupanddowncuriously.‘So perhapsyouarelookingforahusband?You cannotpossiblysurvivewithoutone.Notherein NewYork.Sowhatwillyoudo?’

Georgianarosetoherfeet.‘Iamnotlooking forahusband,MrsCharlesworth,andIam perfectlycapableofsurvivingwithoutone!Asfor whatIwilldowithmylife,Iwouldn’tdreamof discussinganyideasImighthavewithaperfect strangeronmyfirstdayinanewcountry.Iwish yougoodday.’

ShesweptawayfromtheastonishedMrs Charlesworthandclimbedthestairstoherroom, herheartbeatingfastandhercheeksflushed. You’vemadeanenemyalready,Georgiana,she toldherself.Thatodiouswomanhasprobably gotagreatdealofinfluenceinthistownand you’vejustinsultedher.Shepausedoutsideher doortocalmherself,notwantingKittytosuspect thatanythingwaswrong.HaveImadeagreat mistake?shethought.HaveIburnedmyboats? WhatwillIdo?

Forthenextfewdayssheavoidedthehotel loungeandsheandKittyexploredthecity, whichwasgrowingatatremendouspace.The

buildingswerehigherthanshehadeverseenin England,someofthemfivestoreys,andmanyof thehotelswereenormousandextremelyluxurious.ShewentintotheAstorHotelforcoffeeand askedthebellboyhowmanybedroomsthere were.‘Overthreehundred,ma’am,’heinformed herproudly,‘andseventeenbathrooms!There’s nowhereelsesogrand,notinNewYorkatany rate.’

Indeed!SoIshan’tbestayinghere,shemused. ThoughnodoubtIwouldfindarichhusband ifIdid.Sheearmarkedseveralsmallerhotels where,onenquiringtheirtariffs,sherealizedshe couldstayatacheaperratethanatthePortland. Justafewmoredays,shedetermined,andthen I’llmoveout.

Thefollowingafternoonshesteppeddownstairsintothehotelloungeandfounditalmost emptybutforonegentlemansittingbyawindow readinganewspaper.Sheglancedacrossatthe piano.WoulditbeconsideredanimpositionifI shouldplay,Iwonder?Butwhynot?Itisthere,it isnotanornament.Iwill.

Shewalkedacross,seatedherselfandranher fingersacrossthekeys.Ithadbeenwellplayed andthesoundwasmellow.Therewasnomusic onthestandbutsheclosedhereyesandplayed frommemorysnatchesofherfavouritepieces. Wagner’s FlyingDutchman ,Beethoven,andsongs fromthemusichallofwhichherAuntClarissa disapproved,statingemphaticallythatthey weresongsfromthedevil.Shewouldn’tallow Georgianatoplaythem,thoughshedideach timeherauntwentout.Sheplayedforperhaps

fifteenminutes,concentratingandabsorbing herselfinthemusicandfeelingrathernostalgic. I’mnotmissingAuntClarissa,exceptina generalway,shethought.NorCousinMay, thoughIcouldperhapsregretMartinNewmarch ifIallowedmyself,andifhewasn’tnowmarried tothelovelyGrace.

No,noneofthose,butImustadmitthatI ammissingthefamiliarityofmyhomeland,the choppybrownwatersoftheriverHumberwhich ifIstoodonastoolIcouldseefrommybedroom window.Andthesweetsmellofnew-mowngrass afterithasbeenscythed.ThosearethethingsI ammissingmostofall.

Shecametotheendofthepieceandsatwith herhandsgentlyonthekeys,andwassurprised toheararippleofapplause.Otherguestshad comeintothelounge,hadsatdowntolistento herandwerenowclapping.Agentleman,the onewhohadbeenreadinghisnewspaperearlier, washoveringnearbyandapproachedher.He bowed,puttinghishandonhischestinaforeign manner,andenquired,‘MissGregory?’

‘Yes.’Shewasembarrassedathavingbrought attentiontoherselfandwonderedhowheknew hername.

‘Forgiveme,’heapologized,‘butItookthe libertyofenquiringofthedeskclerk.Icame especiallytoseeyou.’

‘Oh?’Shewasastonished.‘Why?Howdoyou knowofme?’

‘Itisnogreatmystery.’Thesmilehegaveher dimpledhisplumpcheeks.Hewasarotund man,perhapsinhisearlythirties,tallerthanher

withbrownhairwhichfloppedoverhisforehead. ‘MrsBurrowssuggestedIcallonyouwhenIwas nextinthePortland.’

Georgianagavearelievedsigh.‘Oh.Mrs Burrows!Howkindofher.’

‘Permitmetointroducemyself.’Hetooka cardfromthepocketofhisbrightlycoloured tartanwaistcoatandhandedittoher.‘Wilhelm Dreumel,atyourservice,MissGregory.’

Sherosefromthepianoasheasked,‘Would youpermitmealittletimetotalk?’andthey crossedtoasofainthecorneroftheroom.He satoppositeher,unfasteningthebuttonofhis greycoat.

‘HowareyoulikingthePortlandHotel,Miss Gregory?’

‘It’sverypleasant,’shesaid.‘ButImustmove soonasitisveryexpensiveandIhaveonly limitedcapital.’

‘Ah!PerhapsthenIcanhelpyou,foryoumust becarefultochoosesomewherethatisrespectable.Pardonmycuriositybutdoyouintend stayinginNewYork?’

‘I’mnotsure.’Shehesitated,notwanting tosaythatherplanswereasyetunformed.‘I havecometofindanewlifeinAmerica,Mr Dreumel,butwherethatlifewillbeIhavenotyet decided.’

Henoddedsagelyandsettlingbackinhis chairhecrossedhislegsandtappedhisfingers onthechairarm.‘MissGregory,’hesaidaftera moment.‘MrsBurrowssuggestedthatIintroducemyself,becauseshethoughtImightbeof someassistancetoyou.Shesaidtomethatasyou

wereayoungladywhoisnotlookingfora husband,andasIamamannotlookingfora wife,thenweshouldgetonverywelltogether!’

Againcamethegenialgrin,andGeorgiana couldn’thelpbutsmileback.

‘Shealsotoldme,’hewenton,‘thatyouwere convincedthatyoucouldmakeyourwayalonein thiscountry,butthatperhapsyoumightaccepta littlehelpifthatassistancewasofferedwithout conditionsordemands.’

‘Butwhywouldyouwanttoassistme,Mr Dreumel?Youdon’tknowmeoranythingabout me.Imightbeafoolishwomanhereonawhim. Imightbelookingforriches.Whywouldyou helpastranger?’

Heshrugged.‘Whenmygrandfathercame tothiscountryfromtheNetherlands,hehad nothing.Hebroughthiswifeandson–myfather –andalwaysspokeofthehelphehadreceived fromtotalstrangers.Hewaslucky,Isuppose,he couldjustaseasilyhavecomeacrossothers whowouldhaveturnedtheirbacksonhim.But becauseofthat,hebroughtupmyfathertodo whathecouldforothers,andmyfatherdidthe sameforme.

‘Timeshavechanged,ofcourse.’Hegazed aroundtheroomattheopulentsurroundings. ‘Mygrandfatherandfathernevermademuch moneythoughtheyworkedhard,buttheywere happymen,contentwithwhattheirendeavours hadbroughtthem.’

‘Yes.’Georgianaleanedtowardshim.‘Thatis whatIwant!AndIdon’tseewhy,justbecauseI amawoman,Ishouldn’tbeabletodothattoo.

Iwanttobeconsideredaproperpersoninmy ownright.’

‘IcanseewhyyougotonsowellwithMrs Burrows.’Hesmiled.‘Shetooisaveryindependentwoman.Orshewas,’hereflected. ‘Regrettablyherageisnowcatchingupwithher, thoughI’mquitesurethatshewillalwaysbevery vocalinherbeliefs.’

‘Thenthereishopeforme!’Georgianafelt buoyedupbytheirconversation.Wilhelm Dreumelwasaveryengaging,candidman, obviouslynotgiventohandingoutflatteryor complimentsassomemenwere,buthespoketo herinafrankandeasymannerasifhewas talkingtoanotherman.

‘Thereisplentyofhope,MissGregory.But youwillnotfinditeasy:therewillbemany whowilllookdownuponyoufornothavinga husbandintow,andyouwillberegardedwith suspicionbysomeladiesifyousomuchassmile orpassthetimeofdaywiththeirmenfolk.’

‘Sowhatofyou,MrDreumel?’Sherememberedthathehadsaidhewasnotlookingfora wife.‘Doyouhaveanunderstandingwifeorare youaconfirmedbachelor?’

Ashadowfellacrosshisaffableface.‘Ididhave abeautifulandunderstandingwife,butsadlyshe diedinchildbirthandthechilddidnotsurvive. Wehadbeenmarriedonlyoneyearandwewere bothveryyoung.ShewaseighteenandItwentyone.Ihavenotwantedanotherwife,forshewas irreplaceable.’

‘I’msosorry,’Georgianamurmured.‘Itmust beveryhardtolosesomeoneyoulove.’

Henoddedsombrely.‘Itis,itisveryhard indeed.Ishallneverrecoverfromit.So,’he perkedupandspokecheerfully,‘afterallthese years,twelveinSeptember,no-onetriestofind meanotherwifeastheydidtobeginwith.Poor Bill,myfriendsusedtosay.Wemustfindhim someonetomarry.TheynowknowthatIama lostcause,andthewomenthatIknowaremy friendsandnotmylovers.’

Shegazedathim.Hewouldbeagoodfriend, shemused.Honestandplain-speaking.IfIget toknowhimperhapshewouldalsobeafriendto me.Itmightbehelpful,sometimes,toheara man’spointofview.

‘MrDreumel,’shesaidboldly.‘CouldIinvite youtosupper?’

CHAPTERTHREE

WilhelmDreumelsaidthatalthoughhewouldbe happytobeherguest,ifshewouldpermitithe wouldliketochoosethevenue.Georgianawas gladofthatofferforshedidnotwanttobeseen dininginthePortlandwithagentleman,incase MrsCharlesworthmightalsobetakingsupper andthinktheworst.HowfoolishIam,she thoughtirritably,asshedressedfortheevening. I’mtryingtobeanindependentwomanandhere Iamworryingoversomeonetittle-tattlingabout me.

However,whenshecamedownthestairsto meethimatsixo’clockinthefoyerastheyhad arranged,shesawthatMrDreumelwasengaged inearnestconversationwithanotherman.

Hiseyessweptoverherassheapproachedand hesmiledadmiringly.Kittyhadironedallher gownsandshehadchosentowearadeepblue, which,shehadbeentold,emphasizedthecolour ofhereyes.Overhergownsheworeashoulder capeinadarkershadeofblue,astheevening wasgrowingchilly.

‘MissGregory.’Dreumelheldouthishandto

includeherintheirconversation.‘Permitmeto introduceacolleague,JohnCharlesworth.’

Oh,no,shebreathed.Notthehusbandofthat dreadfulwoman!Shesmiled,however,andinclinedherheadingreeting.

‘Delighted,MissGregory.’JohnCharlesworthbowed.‘AreyounewlyarrivedinNew York?’

Sohiswifehasn’ttoldhimofmeandhowrude Iwas,shecogitated,beginningtoregrether hastydeparturefromthatlady.

‘Justafewdaysago,’shereplied.

‘Andareyouimpressedbyourfinecity?I believeitiscomparablewithLondonforits shopsandtheatres,thoughnotofcourseforits ancientbuildingsandheritage,’headded.

‘IndeedIam.It’saveryhandsomecity,’she agreed.‘Thestreetsaremuchwiderthanour Englishstreetsandthecolourofthestonebuildingsisveryappealing.Thegardenstoo,’she addedandwassurprisedatherownenthusiasm, ‘arelovely.’

‘Good.Good,’hesaid,and,ashetookhis leave,declared,‘Imustintroduceyoutomywife, MissGregory.Shelikestomeetpeoplefrom otherlands.’

‘Ibelievewehavemetalready,MrCharlesworth,’shesaid.‘ButIshallbegladtorenewher acquaintance.’

‘Ohdear,’sheremarkedtoWilhelmDreumel astheyleftthePortland–hehadsuggested thatasitwasn’tfartheymightwalktothehotel wheretheyweretoeat.‘I’mafraidImayhave insultedhiswifewhenImether.Iwasrather

discourteous,forshewassoverypatronizingand wishedtoorganizemylife.’ XX

Hechuckled.‘Don’tworryyourself,Miss Gregory.MrsCharlesworthwouldnotnoticeif youwererudetoher,forsheneverlistensto anyone’sopinion.Shethinksonlythatsheknows best,andyetshehasnoeducationordiscernment.ShehaslivedinthePortlandHotelforthe lasttenyearsandgoesnowherebuttoNewYork balls,partiesandtheatres.Thatisherlife.’

‘Poorwoman,’Georgianamurmured.‘Does herhusbandnottraveleither?’

‘Hedoes,butshewillnotgowithhim,preferringtostayatthePortlandwhereshebehaves asifsheownsit.’

TheMariusHotelwheretheyweretodinewas situatedinasmallquietsquare.Itwasnotas largeoraslavishasthePortland,beingplainly constructedontheoutsidewithbalconieson thefirstandsecondfloors.Itwaswellfurnished withgoodcarpetsandcurtains,and,likethe Portland,hadmanysmalltablesandcomfortable sofasinthemainlounge,andalthoughitdidnot haveagrandfoyer,therewasawidehallwitha piano,paintingsonthewallsandawelcoming fireinalargehearth.

‘Delightful,’Georgianasaidastheyentered. ‘Howverypleasant.’

MrDreumelnoddedatherapproval.‘Afterwe haveeatensupper–andthefoodisgoodand wholesome–youmaydecidethatyouwould prefertolivehere.ThisiswhyIbroughtyou.’

Shenoticed,astheywereshowntotheirplaces inthediningroom,thatalthoughseveraltables

wereoccupied,theywereoccupiedbygentlemen only,andthefewladieswhoweretherewere sittingseparatelyandatadistancefromthe otherdiners.Whenshecommentedonthis,her companionsaidthatfewladiesdinedoutwith theirhusbands,andthatgentlemengenerally dinedalone.

‘IsthisatypicalNewYorkcustom?’sheasked. ‘OrageneralAmericanone?’

‘Ican’tanswerthat,MissGregory,’hesaid.‘I can’tsayIhavenoticeditelsewhere,butthen apartfromwhenIaminNewYork,thecompany Ikeepisgenerallymale.’

‘Whyisthat,MrDreumel?’Shesmiled.‘You arenotallergictothecompanyofladiesoryou wouldnothaveapproachedme,norwould youhavespokenofMrsBurrowsoracceptedmy invitationtosupper!’

‘Certainlynot.’Helaughed.‘Ilikethecompany ofladies.Butmybusinesstakesmetoplaces wheretherearefewmembersofthefemale society.Ihaveanewspapercompany,’heexplained.‘PennynewspapersinNewYorkand Philadelphia.Ladiestendnottobeinthatkindof business.’

‘I’msurethewomenofAmericaread newspapers,’shecommented.‘Wouldtheynot liketoreadsomethingwrittenbyawoman?’

Hetookherquestionseriouslyandsurveyed herasthesoupandbreadwerebroughttothe table.‘Idon’tpersonallyknowofanywoman whowritesforanewspaper,thoughthereare ofcoursefemalewritersofnovels.Iregrettosay, though,theyarenotasaruleapprovedofby

thegeneralpublic.And,’headdedwithagrin, ‘thewritermostdisapprovedof,thoughherbook iswidelyread,istheEnglishladyMrsFanny Trollope,whowasnotimpressedbyAmerican life.’

Georgianasighed.‘Itseems,then,thatlifefor womenisnotsoverydifferentherethanin England.’

‘No,perhapsnot,’heagreed.‘Butitwillcome. Intime.’

‘Butitmightbetoolateforme,’shesaid passionately.‘Iwanttomakemyowndecisions aboutmylife.’

‘Youareyoung,MissGregory.Andyoucando asyouwish.Whoistostopyou?’

Shelookedacrossathim.‘I’mtwenty-three!’ shereplied.

‘Inyourprime!Aperfectageforawomanwho doesnotwantthedisadvantageofahusbandto holdherback!Asensibleagefortravellingalone withperhapsjustacompanion.’

‘Acompanion?’shesaidsuspiciously.‘What companion?’

‘Youhavebroughtayoungwomanwithyou, haveyounot?’heasked.‘IthoughtthatMrs Burrowssaid—’

‘Oh,’shebreathed.‘YoumeanKitty?I thought—’

‘No,’hesaidsolemnly,thoughtherewasa sparkleoffuninhiseyes.‘Ididnotmeananyone else.Iwouldnotpresume—’

‘Ibegyourpardon.’Shewasembarrassed. ‘Youseehowdifficultitisforawoman,Mr Dreumel?Wearetornbetweenwhatwehave

beentaughtandwhatwewant.Sometimes,’she addedsoftly,‘Ithinkthatwedon’tknow what we want,onlythatwewantsomethingdifferent.It canbequitebewildering.’

Theyateinsilenceforawhile,thenGeorgiana said,‘Soshallwetalkaboutyou,MrDreumel? Tellmeaboutyournewspaperbusiness.Howfar doyoutravel?’

‘BetweenNewYorkandPhiladelphia.Ihope eventuallytoopenanewspaperinDetroit.How isyourfowl?’heaskedsuddenly.‘Tender?’

‘Very,’shesaid.‘Delicious.Iwouldliketo moveherefromthePortlandiftheratesare reasonable.’

‘Theyare,’hesaid.‘Butyoumustasktonight. Itisaverypopularhotelandtherearenotmany rooms.’

Shesaidthatshewould.Shefeltcomfortable here,thestaffwerepolitelyfriendlywithoutbeingtoofamiliarorcondescending,asshefelt theywereatthePortland.

‘Iamalsoinotherfields.’Hereturnedto theoriginalsubject,firsttakingadrinkfromhis wineglass.‘Myfatherworkedasaminerin Philadelphia,andbecauseIhaveasmatteringof knowledgeIwentofftoCaliforniain’49totry myluck.’

‘You’renotgoingtotellmethatyoustruck gold!’

Sheepishlyhenodded.‘Ifoundaplacer depositoffreegold.’Hesawaquestioninher face.‘It’scalledfreegoldbecauseit’smixedin withsandorgravelandisrecoveredbywashing inaminingpan.It’sfoundmostlyinriverbeds.’

‘Sohasitmadeyourich?’Shesmiled.‘DoIset mybonnetatyouafterall?’

Helaughed,thenleanedtowardsher.‘Ishall getricherwithmynewspapers,butIboughtthe NewYorknewspaperwithsomeoftheproceeds.’ Hehesitated,thensaid,loweringhisvoice,‘I wanttoraisecastle,andsomeoneshowedmea perfectplace.AsanAmericancitizenIwasable tobuytheland,andthenIdiscoveredwhatI believetobeagoldlodethere.’

‘Agoldlode?’shewhisperedback.‘Whatis that?’

‘It’sgoldthatisburiedinrock.Ithasto becrushedoutoftherockwhichmeansusing expensivemachinery.We’vestakedaclaimand aresettinguprightnow.’

‘We?Youhaveapartner?’

‘Yes.’Henodded.‘JohnCharlesworth.Hehas agreedtoputcapitalintothescheme.Theone problemishiswife.Ifsheshouldhearofititwill bealloverNewYorkandwe’llhaveeverygold minerinAmericatrailingus.’

‘Butwhyareyoutellingme,MrDreumel?’she asked,perturbedbythisconfidence.‘Youdon’t knowme.Icouldtelleveryonetoo.Howdoyou knowIcankeepasecret?’

Heshrugged.‘Idon’tknow.ButIcanguess.I cangenerallytellifsomeoneishonestandtrustworthy.’Hesmiledhisdimpledsmile.‘Idon’t reallyknowwhyItoldyou,butsometimesitis goodtoconfide,toshare.Besides,’headded,‘I haven’ttoldyouwherethelandisandifIdid youwouldn’tbeabletofindit.Beingonlya woman,’hesaidslyly.

‘Ah,’shesaidgaily.‘Ithoughttherewould beareason.Sowhoislookingafterthisland?’ sheasked.‘Shouldn’tyoubethereguarding it?’XX

‘Normally,yes,’hesaid.‘ButIhavefounda fellowwhohasbeenintheminingbusiness–an Englishman,whoistherenowsupervisingthe machinerywhichisbeingassembled.I’mexpectinghimthisweek,asamatteroffact.He’s travellingtoNewYorktotellusoftheworkin progress.’

Aftertheyhadfinishedeating,Georgiana spoketothedeskclerkandaskedtoseethe rooms.Theyweresmallerthanattheother hotelbutcomfortablyfurnishedanddecorated inwarmcolours.Theyhadtwofreesoshe bookedthemforanindefinitestay.Wilhelm Dreumelkeptoutofearshotasshenegotiateda price,andshewasgladthathedidnottryto interfereorrecommend.

TheystrolledbacktothePortland.The eveningwascoolbutdryandtherewasasalty smelloftheseawhichmadeherfeelnostalgicfor home,butshealsofeltbuoyedupbythefactthat shewasmakingprogressinherlife.Ihavemade afriend,shethought,whohasconfidedin me,andIhavemadeadecisionaboutmoving hotelsandIhavenotyetbeenhereoneweek.

‘Ithasbeenmostpleasant,MissGregory,’ DreumelsaidasheescortedherintothePortlandfoyer.‘Verypleasantindeed,andIhope thatperhapswecanrepeattheevening,only perhapsyouwouldbemyguestnexttime?’

‘Thatwouldbelovely.’Sheextendedherhand

tohis.‘Whereareyoustaying,MrDreumel?’she asked.‘HereatthePortland?’

‘No,attheMarius.Ipreferthesimplicity.SoI willhopetoseeyouagainsoon.Tomorrowifmy manturnsupaspromisedIshallbeindiscussion withhim.Perhaps,’hesaid,raisingafingerasif ithadjustoccurredtohim.‘Perhapsyouwould caretomeethim.HeisfromnorthernEngland, asyouare.’

‘Oh,yes!Itwouldbegoodtohearhowafellow Englishpersonissurvivinginthisnewcountry.’

Hesmiled.‘Itdoesn’tseemsoverynewtome asIhavelivedhereallmylife,butyes,Ido understandwhatyoumean.’

‘Whatishisname?’Georgianaasked.‘Imay knowofhimorhisfamily.’

‘Newmarch,’hereplied.‘EdwardNewmarch.’ Shestaredblanklyforamoment,thensaid faintly,‘IdoknowtheNewmarches,butIthink notthesamefamily.Theyarenotinmining.’

Shetookherleaveofhimandwalkedunsteadilyupthestairstoherroom.Itisn’tpossible, shethought.Itmustbesheercoincidence.

EdwardNewmarch,hercousinMay’shusband, hadsailedforAmericaeighteenmonthsbefore Georgianahaddecidedalsototravelabroad.He hadlefthisnewwifealettersayingthathewas leavingtobeginanotherlifeandbeggingher forgiveness.Whathedidn’tsayintheletterand whattheyhadsubsequentlydiscoveredwasthat hehadbookedthreeticketsforthevoyage,one forhimself,oneforhisvalet,andoneforhis mistress,ayoungmillgirl,whomhehadbeen seeingsincebeforehismarriage.

MayNewmarchhaddasheddowntothedock withherbrother-in-law,Martin,intimetosee herhusbandboardtheship.Buthismistresshad stayedbehind,choosing,soitseemed,nottogo withhim.

Theyhadheardnothingmorefromhim,no communicationatall.May’sfatherhadtriedin vaintoputastoptoEdwarddrawingfundsfrom thebankwhereMay’sdowrywasdeposited,even thoughthemoneyandvarioussharesdeposited thereafterEdwardNewmarch’smarriagetoMay werelegallyhis.

‘Itcan’tbehim,’GeorgianamurmuredasKitty pulledoffherboots.He’dnevergethishands dirtyinsuchathingasmining,shemused.

‘What,miss?’Kittysaid.

‘Oh,nothingmuch,’shesaid.‘Kitty,let’sget packed.We’removingtomorrow.’

AstheysettledintotheMariusthenextday, Kittysaid,‘Ilikeitbetterhere,MissGregory.It’s notsosnootyas’Portland,andthemdeskclerks werealwaystellingmethatIshouldleaveyou andgetaproperjob.Itelledthem,’shesaid vehemently,‘thisisaproperjob,lookingafter you,andtheyjustlaughedatmeandsaidIwas likethemblackslavesintheSouth.’

Georgianawasshocked.‘Butyoudon’tfeellike that,doyou,Kitty?I’dbedevastatedifyouleft.’

‘Ohno,miss,Idon’t.Iknowhowyoudepend onme,andbesidesIdependonyou.Whatwould Idoonmyown?’

Georgianatookadeepbreath.‘Weneedeach other,Kitty,andthat’safact.We’retwowomen aloneinaforeignland.’Sheconsideredfora

moment.‘Howwoulditbe,’shesaid,‘seeingas peopleherehaveproblemswiththeideaof servants–howwouldyouliketocallyourselfmy companion,wheneveranyoneaskswhatyoudo?’

Kittybeamedandherfacewentpink.‘Itwould seemasifI’dgoneupin’world,miss.’She pondered.‘Soundsverynice.Betterthanalady’s maid.Wouldyoupreferthat,MissGregory?’

‘IthinkthatperhapsIwould,’shesaid.‘Andit wouldmeanthatwecoulddinetogether.’She sawthehesitantexpressiononKitty’sface.‘I don’talwaysliketodinealoneandIwouldshow youwhichcutlerytouseifyouwerenotsure.’

‘Idoknowalready,miss,cosdidn’tIsometimesset’tableatyouraunt’shouse?’

‘Ofcourseyoudid,Kitty.I’dforgotten.’Her aunthadahousekeeper,cookandkitchenmaid. Kitty,whohadstartedoutasaparlourmaid,had beenelevatedtolookafterherandGeorgiana’s needs.‘Yes,’shesaidthoughtfully.‘Ithinkthatis whatweshalldo.’

‘Goodness,miss,’Kittyexclaimed.‘It’sasifI’m gainingthatequalitylikeyou’reallustalking about.’

‘Well,thankgoodnesssomeoneis,’Georgiana saidruefully.‘Comealong,then,let’sgetready togodowntosupper.Youcouldwearyourgrey dresstonightandtomorrowwe’llbuyyousomethingelsetowear.’

Kittyfollowedher,justonestepbehindasthey wentdownthestairs.Inthefoyer,waitingnear thedoor,wasWilhelmDreumel.Heturnedand sawthem.‘MissGregory,’hecalled.‘Newmarch isjustcollectinghisbagsfromthecoach.I

rememberwherehe’sfromnow.He’sfroma placeneartheportofHullontheeastcoastof England.I’msureyou’llknowhim!’ Behindher,GeorgianaheardKittydrawina breathandsheturnedandputherfingertoher lips.

Thedoorsswungopenandamancamein carryingabagandshookhandswithDreumel. Dreumelsaidsomethingtohimandtheyboth lookedup.Adismayedrecognitiondawnedin theman’seyesashesawGeorgiana.

Shetookafewmorestepsdownandstoodin frontofthetwomen.Sheknewhimallright. Onlyitwasn’tEdwardNewmarch.

CHAPTERFOUR

InSeptember1850,whenEdwardNewmarch stumbledupthegangboardontotheship,allhe wantedtodowasclosethecabindoorbehind himandsinkintooblivion.Hedidn’tlookback atthecrowdswhoweregatheredattheHumber dockbasintowatchtheshipdepart,forifhehad hewouldhaveseenRubywalkingaway.Ruby hismistress,hislove,whohadrefusedtotravel withhimandhadtoldhimthatshelovedsomeoneelse.Hehadbarelygiventhoughttohis abandonedwifeMay,hewassimplywrappedin hisownmiseryandhumiliation.

‘Damnandblastallwomen,’hemutteredashe layfacedownonhisbunk.‘Igavethatgirl everythingshewanted.Money,clothes,trinkets!’ Well,allright,headmitted.Icouldn’tmarryher. Butitwouldhavebeenasgoodasamarriageif she’dagreedtocome!She’dhavehadtochange hermannersofcourse,putonabitofstyleso thatpeoplewouldn’thaveguessedthatshe’d comeupfromthegutter.ButRubycouldhave donethatifshe’dhadamindto,shehadit inher.

Therewasafainttaponthedoor.‘Yes!Whatis it?’

‘CanIgetyouanything,sir?’Itwashisvalet’s voice.Allen.RobertAllen,whohadagreedto comewithhim.Hmm,Edwardbrooded.He hadn’tneededtoasktwice.Allenhadjumpedat thechanceofanewlife.

‘No,Idon’tneedanything.Wait,onsecond thoughts–comein.’Heraisedhimselfonone elbow.‘Getmeadrink,’hesaidasAllencamein, bendinghisheadsothathedidn’tbangitonthe doorframe.Notatallman,hewasstockyin build,unlikehisemployer,whowastallandslim, butthecabinceilingsanddoorswerelow.

Allencrouchedtoopenthecupboarddoor. ‘Brandy,sir?Whisky?Port?’

Edwardexhaled.‘Port,andleavethebottle herebyme.Thendon’tdisturbmeuntilsupper.’

‘We’reabouttosail,sir.Don’tyouwanttosee usleave?’Allenpouredtheportintoaglassand putthebottlebythebedasinstructed.

‘No,Idamnwelldon’t!I’llbegladtobegone.’ Edwardraisedhisglassandtookadrink.‘Have youleftanyonebehind,Allen?’

‘No,sir.’Allen’sexpressionwasimpassive. ‘Nobody.’

‘Goodforyou.Nobodytomournyouor blackenyourname,then?’Edwardtookanother drink.

‘No,sir.Willthatbeall,sir?’

‘Yes.Makesurethere’splentyofmeatfor supper.Ifeeltheneedforsomeredmeat.’

‘Verygood,sir.’Allenbackedoutofthecabin, closedthedoorfirmlyandreturnedtowatching

theshoresofEastYorkshireslideawayintothe darkness.Itwascoldandwetinspiteofbeing earlyautumnandtherewerefewpeopleondeck.

Hehadn’tbeenabletobelievehisluckwhen EdwardNewmarchhadapproachedhimand toldhim,inconfidence,thathewasthinking ofgoingtoAmerica.‘ButnotawordtoMrs Newmarch,’hehadsaid.‘Idon’twanttotellher yet.NotuntilI’vethoughtitthrough,’andthen hehadaskedifAllenwouldconsidergoingwith him.

Wouldn’tIjust!Allenhadthought,and needednotimetocontemplate.Hewasbored withhisjobofrunningaroundafterNewmarch, helpinghimdress,shave,cleaninghisshoes, makingsurehisshirtsandcollarswerefreshly starchedandironed,andwhenhisemployerwas out,ashefrequentlywas,hehadtohelpclean thehouseholdsilver,which,heconsidered,was nottheworkofavalet.

Butthen,hehaddeliberated,theNewmarch familywerenottop-draweraristocracywitha massofservantswhoknewwhodidwhatand when,butwealthyfolkwhohadmadetheir moneyoutofindustryandcommerce,andemployedpeopletodoforthemwhattheydidn’t wanttodoforthemselves.

I’llberidofhimassoonasIcan,he determinedashewatchedthelightofSpurn Pointflashinthedarkness.JustassoonasIsee what’swhat.There’llbeopportunitiesgalore,I shouldn’twonder.Imightevenpanforgold, thoughthebestsiteswillhavegonebynow.Not thatI’dgointomining.IvowedthatwhenIleft

home.IsawwhatcoalminingdidtoDaandour Jim,coughingtheirheartsandlungsout.No, thatlifewasn’tforme.

HehadknownveryquicklythatwhatEdward Newmarchwasplanningdidn’tincludeMrsNewmarch.No-oneelseintheservants’hallknew anything,andcertainlynotMrsNewmarch’s maid,Dora,forhehadhadamildflirtationwith herandshewouldhavetoldhimifhermistress wasgoingaway.No,hehadquicklydeducedthat hismasterwasplanningontakinghislittlefilly, whowasnothingmorethanamillgirl.

Ironic,hethought,andpulledasmallbottleof whiskyoutofhispocketwhichhehadsiphoned offfromalargerbottlewhenhewaspreparing thecabin,andwhilstNewmarchwasonthe wharfsidetryingtopersuadehisparamourto accompanythem.Andshewouldn’tcome!He grinnedinthedarknessandtookadrinkfrom thebottle.Morefoolher!Ormaybenot,he reconsidered.Maybesheknewthateventually Newmarchwouldtireofherandshewouldbe abandoned,justashiswifehadbeen.

Itwouldbeahardlifeforawomananyway. Hetookanotherdrink.Unlessthere’splentyof money,andNewmarchwillkeeptightholdof his,orratherhiswife’s,money.Poorbitch,she’ll beleftwithnothing.Hismindhadswitchedto MayNewmarch.Still,she’sgotarichpapa,he’ll lookafterher,Iexpect.

Yes,I’llmoveonassoonasIcan.That’swhat folkdoinAmerica.Theydon’tstayinoneplace likewedo.Theygraspeveryopportunityandif theydon’tfindwhatthey’relookingforinone