Man Behind the Façade. June Francis

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СКАЧАТЬ James, thought Phillip. ‘Then let us quicken our pace,’ he murmured.

      Why could he not leave her alone? She did not want him asking her any more questions about Giles. Phillip had roused memories of her marriage that filled her with guilt. Although she had not been in love with her husband, they’d had a warm and friendly relationship. She missed him and it grieved her that no child had resulted from their marriage.

      As it was, she did not need to fear Phillip’s questioning. They walked on in silence until they arrived at Minster Draymore. Phillip noted aloud that some of the houses were in a bad state of repair, being constructed of wattle and daub and roofed with thatch.

      ‘Simon has commented that they need to be pulled down and replaced with houses of stone and slate,’ said Rebecca, pointing to one of them. ‘Apparently the man who now owns them and the manor house has been out of the country for years and has only just returned.’

      ‘At least it explains their neglect,’ said Phillip.

      ‘Come winter, I am certain Simon will return to Oxford, for the damp will play havoc with his rheumatics and he has a commission in the town to complete that means he can work indoors during the worst of the weather,’ said Rebecca, not loath to talk about the Caldwells’ business.

      ‘Is he much older than your sister-in-law?’ asked Phillip.

      ‘Aye. The girls are from his first marriage, but James is his and Jane’s son. The difficulty is that there is little to occupy the children here. Simon came to visit Jane a few days ago and escorted us here, but he cannot spare another couple of days away to accompany us on the return journey and he will not allow us to travel without a man’s protection.’

      Phillip made no comment for she had now stopped in front of a house that was larger than the others in the village. ‘Here we are,’ she said with a sigh of relief.

      He stuffed the gown and wig behind a tub beside the door and followed her inside. There was no sign of the girls, but a child could be heard crying. A grey-haired man was seated at the table, but on their entry he jumped up, almost sending the plans spread out on the table flying.

      ‘Who is this?’ he asked, placing a hand over the plans as he stared at Phillip. ‘I did not ask you to bring anyone here, Rebecca.’

      ‘Simon, this is Master Phillip Hurst, who knew my father. We met in Witney and he kindly escorted me here,’ she replied. ‘Phillip, this is Master Caldwell, my brother-in-law.’

      The two men shook hands. ‘Rebecca’s father used to work at my father’s shipyard most summers,’ said Phillip as way of introduction, wondering why the other man’s hand trembled so much.

      Simon Caldwell nodded jerkily. ‘I recognise the name Hurst. Your father is dead, is he not?’

      ‘That’s right. My brother now has charge of the yard. I believe you are a stonemason, Master Caldwell,’ said Phillip politely.

      ‘If you’ll excuse me,’ interrupted Rebecca quietly, ‘I’ll just go up to the children. I bid you good even, Phillip.’

      ‘Good night, Becky,’ he said, taking her hand and pressing it gently. ‘Perhaps we’ll see each other again before too long.’

      She flashed him a smile, withdrew her hand and hurried out.

      There was a silence after she left and Simon Caldwell fiddled with a drawing implement on the table. ‘So, what are you doing in this area, Master Hurst?’ he asked after a moment or two.

      ‘I am just travelling through, but I might have need of a master mason to do some building work for me in the near future,’ he said impulsively, ‘so when Becky mentioned your name and occupation I was interested to meet you.’

      ‘I see.’ The other man ran a shaking hand through his iron-grey hair. ‘I cannot make any promises. It might be best if you looked for another mason.’

      Phillip was relieved, wondering why meeting Rebecca had caused him to broach a plan of action that he been considering this past year, but had decided was not feasible for at least another two years. ‘Unfortunately, just like ship’s carpenters, they are in short supply, so I am prepared to wait,’ he said easily.

      ‘If you are not in a rush, then that makes a difference.’ Simon Caldwell’s manner thawed but Phillip thought he still appeared a little on edge. ‘You would recognise Rebecca’s father if you saw him?’ asked the older man abruptly.

      Phillip was startled by the question. ‘Aye, but Master Mortimer is dead, so I don’t understand why you should ask such a question.’

      Simon Caldwell cleared his throat. ‘Master Hurst, do you believe in ghosts?’

      Phillip’s eyes narrowed. ‘Obviously, you believe that you have seen one if you ask me such a question,’ he said slowly.

      ‘Have I seen a ghost or was it a figment of my overtired brain?’ muttered Simon Caldwell, drumming his fingers on the table. ‘You have to understand that I only met the man twice. He was most difficult to deal with, as you undoubtedly know, having served as his apprentice.’

      Phillip nodded. ‘All I can say is that I would rather he didn’t come back from the dead.’

      ‘Agreed,’ said the other man, now gripping the table. ‘Yet I cannot ignore the sighting. If the labourers were to believe Draymore Manor is haunted, they’d be off. You know what they say about ghosts?’

      ‘That they have unfinished business here on earth,’ said Phillip, understanding why the man should be so nervous. ‘I presume Becky and the children have not seen this apparition?’

      ‘Saints’ teeth! You think I’d allow them to play around the manor house?’ said the other man fiercely. ‘Parts of the building are highly unstable. I’m thinking it’s a mistake I ever brought them here.’

      ‘Then send them home,’ advised Phillip.

      Simon Caldwell frowned. ‘Rebecca is a woman of good sense, but she is only a woman and wouldn’t be able to defend herself and my children against ruffians, Master Hurst.’

      There was a short silence and then hesitantly Phillip said, ‘If you would allow me to make a suggestion, Master Caldwell. On the morrow I will be travelling to Oxford as I have business there. If you are willing to entrust them to my care, I will provide them with my protection on the road.’

      Master Caldwell looked relieved. ‘That is generous of you. I must warn you that my son is an imp. A lovable lad, but an imp none the less.’

      ‘I am certain Becky copes well with him,’ reassured Phillip, although he had no idea at all if that were true or not but he felt this man was in need of help. ‘Besides, I have nephews and a niece of my own and so am accustomed to children,’ he added.

      ‘Then I accept your offer with gratitude, Master Hurst.’ This time when Simon Caldwell shook Phillip’s hand, it was with enthusiasm.

      Phillip decided there was little chance of seeing Rebecca again that evening to see if she approved of his actions and, as it was now dark, that he should make haste to Witney. ‘I would appreciate it if you could inform Becky that I will call for her and the children shortly СКАЧАТЬ