Once and for Always, page 3
That still left a big question mark against where her father originally came from, why he was still living at Conlyn after the Baron died and how he came to be such a close friend of Robert Fleming who came from Scotland.
It was all very unsettling. Bea slept badly and could not concentrate. The shop remained closed with an added note saying, ‘until further notice.’ Would it ever reopen?
Before she could go completely out of her mind Rob walked calmly into the shop late on the third day. Overcome with relief Bea threw herself into his arms.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked. ‘Has Tanner been bothering you again?’
Bea stood back. ‘I was beginning to think you were not coming back.’
‘Bea,’ he said reproachfully. ‘I said there were things to arrange. They take time. I am sorry you have been worried. Set your mind at ease. We will be married tomorrow.’
Bea felt guilty for doubting him and almost lost track of what he was saying. He had said he would take care of everything. And he had. The wedding was to be a civil ceremony. ‘I thought you would prefer that to making vows in church.’ He told her the time of the ceremony and asked what she planned to wear.
Bea had been so consumed by the doubt that there would actually be a wedding, she had not given clothes a thought.
‘I am still in mourning. I will wear my best black gown.’
‘As you wish.’ Black did not flatter Bea but if it made her more comfortable, he would not protest. He gave Bea a hug. ‘Until tomorrow, dear girl.’ Then he was gone again.
Bea’s wedding was like nothing she had ever imaged. Not that she had ever attended a wedding but only a fool could be unaware that it involved a lot of planning. Bea had a niggling feeling that she would have liked to have been consulted and then rebuked herself for being petty. Rob’s arrangements were exactly what she would have chosen. She just was not used to having decisions made for her.
Bea’s wedding day began with grey sky and the threat of rain. Somewhere she had heard the phrase, Happy is the bridge the sun shines on. As this was not a real wedding, just the sealing of a contract between two people who liked and respected each other perhaps she did not need to rely on the weather to ensure a happy future.
Rob arrived in good time and they walked to the Town Hall, followed by Dora and Freddie. They were shown into a plainly furnished but highly polished room. The official in charge could be described in the same way. He was very thin with a shiny bald head and wearing a suit that was rubbed at the cuffs. He asked them to sit down while he checked a few details and then asked Bea and Rob to stand before his desk. The ceremony, if that was not too grand a word, was brief and conducted in a business-like manner. The registrar kept his eyes on a spot somewhere above and behind them and recited the words in a bored tone. Dora and Freddie were told to sign the register. The only moment he showed interest was when Freddie took the pen from Dora’s hand and dipped it in the inkwell. ‘Make your mark there,’ the official said, placing a finger on the exact spot.
‘I can write and read!’ the lad said indigently. Even so the official checked the signatures before handing Rob the certificate and received an envelope in return. He did not offer to shake hands or congratulate them.
Freddie barely waited for them to exit the building before giving vent to his feelings. ‘What a cheek. Just because we are not posh there was no need for him to talk down to me.’ Bea understood his annoyance. Freddie had worked very hard to overcome his early lifestyle. To him, being able to read and write made him almost a gentleman, not someone to be looked down upon.
Bea reassured him he looked very smart in his ready-made suit. It was a bit on the large side to allow for growth but Freddie was very proud of it.
Dora was more subdued. ‘I would hardly call that a wedding. Are you sure it is legal?’ she asked Rob. He waved the folded certificate, ‘This is all the proof we need.’ He placed Bea’s hand in the crook of his arm and smiled. ‘Mrs Fleming will you join me for a celebration?’
Dora laughed and Bea turned her head, just in time to see Dora give a little curtsey and accept Freddie’s proffered arm.
Rob took them to a nearly hotel for a special lunch then they went back to the shop. Bea and Rob went up to the parlour as he said they had things to discuss.
Without wasting time, Rob gave Bea the certificate. ‘Keep that somewhere safe. The share certificates will take a week or so and will be returned in your name.’ Rob looked at her seriously. ‘Do you know what they are worth?’ When Bea replied, ‘Not exactly,’ he mentioned a sum that made her eyes pop.
‘And it is all mine? It’s a fortune.’
‘Not really but it is enough for you to live comfortably if you ever wish to close the shop.’
‘Thank you. That is hardly enough for what you are doing for me. But thank you is all I can think of.’
Rob shrugged it aside and they discussed other details. The shop sign was to be amended to read, R.R & B.G. Fleming. He gave her the address of a dealer who would take all the academic books and suggested Bea might like to have a small stationery section. ‘If people are going to read and write they might as well purchase their stationery from you. There were a few more odds and ends to clear up before Rob asked, ‘Have you been through your father’s desk? Was there any correspondence or business that needs to be dealt with?
Bea shook her head. ‘I cannot bring myself to do it yet. But I will.’ Bea frowned. ‘You sound as though you expect there to be something important.’
‘John was very … Well, let us say he kept things close to his chest. If there is anything to worry about you have my card. I will come by from time to time as usual. Often enough to keep Tanner in check and avoid curiosity. Your neighbours are used to my visits and any censure will fall on my head for neglecting you.’
It was the perfect opportunity for Bea to ask what Rob knew of her father’s early life but Rob had gone on to tell her about a trip he was planning and the chance was lost.
It was comfortingly familiar and the conversation drifted on to other, everyday topics until the light began to fade and Dora came up to say she had laid their supper in the dining room. ‘There is no need for formally, Dora. It would not be the first time I have eaten in the kitchen,’ Rob said.
She wagged a finger at him, ‘You know Mr and Mrs Hastings always dressed in the evening and took their meal in the dining room’ She laughed, ‘And it will not be the first time you have done so. So, I’ll have no more of your nonsense. Bea, it is time you got out of that dreary black and put on something pretty.’
Pretending to be chastened, the newly married pair did as they were told, laughing all the way to their separate rooms.
Supper was relaxed, largely due to Rob’s sensitivity. He had known Bea for all her life and could read her thoughts. She was worrying about bedtime and if he was going to claim a husband’s rights. He did not put it into words but managed to calm her fears by casually referring to your room and my room.
Later, alone in her bed, Bea pondered on the events of the day. She did not feel married. To all intents and purposed Rob was still Uncle although he had laughed when it slipped out in conversation. She thought of all the things she could do without having to ask permission. If things went wrong, she would only have herself to blame. Rob would always be in the background ready to save her.
Chapter 4
Cambridge, March 1866
Bea stood behind the counter experiencing an awful sense of deja vu. The Weasel stood on the other side of the counter demanding to know when she would quit the premises. Since her marriage he had been studiously polite on the rare occasions they met. Now her was sneering, almost gloating as he waited for her answer.
It had come as a shock a couple of weeks ago when she received a letter, address to Mr Fleming, Lease Holder, saying that the lease was being cancelled. Compensation would be paid but the premises must be vacated by 31st March 1866. She had sent Rob a letter but had not yet received a reply.
‘I am waiting for my husband.’
‘Wait on,’ Tanner replied. ‘I reckon he has done a runner.’
‘What do you mean?
‘He hasn’t been near since Christmas.’
Bea was annoyed that the agent had been monitoring Rob’s visits and replied sharply. ‘My husband travels widely but he is aware of the problem and will be here soon.’
‘Nah! I reckon he is fed up with you. He never did stay above a day or two. Perhaps I was not missing much when you turned down my last offer.’
‘How dare you!’ Bea’s voice had risen and Freddie came to the door of the back room. He was now seventeen and well built. He started towards Tanner but Bea placed a hand on his arm. It was like restraining a dog who had spied a rabbit. To calm Freddie, she kept her own temper in check and managed to say, with some semblance of politeness, ‘Mr Tanner, please leave. There are still several weeks until the end of the month.’
‘You heard Mrs Fleming,’ Freddie growled. ‘Leave now or I will help you to the door.’
Tanner retreated but when he was safely at the door he turned back. ‘I’ve waited a long time for this, Miss High-and-mighty. Don’t rush with the packing. I can get the bailiffs to do it for you.’
‘What did he mean? Freddie asked. ‘Why do you need to pack?’
‘I will tell you later. When Dora gets back from shopping. Go back to what you were doing, please.’
Bea gave Freddie a gentle nudge and sat down to think.
She had seldom needed to write to Rob. Whenever she did, she marked the letter ‘personal’ as he had directed. It had always been acknowledged by a letter or by a visit.
More worrying was the length of his absence. Bea was so used to his erratic visits she had not kept a record of the dates. Christmas had indeed been the last one. And two weeks since she sent the letter. What could be keeping him? Perhaps he was ill or even abroad. Bea rejected the last. Rob always told her when he was leaving the country. She would give him one more day and then send a telegram.
Everything had gone so well over the last three years. Her lending library and reading classes kept her busy. Freddie had progressed so well he could be left in charge if she wanted to go out for the day. They were happy. Rob’s visits were enjoyable but Bea had grown in confidence and did not need to lean on him.
You do now, a sneaky voice in her head insisted. Suppose he does not get here by the end of the month? Tanner would relish seeing the bailiffs tossing your things onto the pavement.
‘I am not helpless!’ She spoke aloud and thought for a moment Freddie might come back. When he did not, Bea ran though her options. There weren’t many.
Unlike the time after her father’s death, Bea was now a capable and respected businesswoman. Other book sellers dealt with her fairly. The dealer Rob had suggested had purchased all the learned books for a sum Bea had thought exorbitant. At the time she had been ignorant that some of the volumes in her father’s private collection were quite valuable and she could have been cheated.
Rob had returned her share certificates and given advice when she wanted to invest her excess profits. She had security. They would never be destitute but time was running out.
How was she to find other premises within a few days? Even with Rob’s support it would be difficult.
What if he is not coming back? Doubt whispered in her ear.
Of course, he was. He just had not yet received her letter. But Tanner had, inadvertently, given her a good piece of advice. She needed to start packing. If necessary, the books, stationery, even the furniture could go into storage whilst she found somewhere else.
Bea pulled herself together as the shop bell heralded the arrival of a customer. Putting on a professional smile, Bea rose and turned to see who it was.
The two fashionably dressed, elderly ladies were none of her regular customers. The larger of the two was dressed in black with a heavy veil covering her face. The other looked frail and carried a walking stick. ‘How may I help you? Please take a seat.’
Black dress threw back her veil to reveal a face suffused with anger. ‘You can explain why you are writing personal letters to my husband. My deceased husband!
‘I don’t understand. The only letter I have….’ Bea stopped abruptly. Something was very wrong here.
The frail lady spoke. ‘This is Mrs Robinson-Fleming. Your letter was forwarded to her while she was staying with me in Bath.’
Ignoring politeness Bea flopped into a chair, shaking her head as though that would remove the fog that threatened to envelop her. ‘I don’t understand. The name is wrong. The letter must have been misdirected.’
‘What you need to understand, you hussy, is that you are posing as my husband’s wife. You even have the gall to link your names above the door!’
The smaller lady guided her friend to a chair. ‘Stay calm, Harriet.’ To Bea she said, ‘I am Lady Leith, a close friend.’ Without asking permission she went and turned the door notice to ‘closed’. ‘You will not want anyone disturbing us while we sort out this mess.’
‘You ae in enough trouble already,’ Mrs Robinson-Fleming snorted. ‘Mis-directed is no excuse. It was sent to his office and marked personal. It was not meant to reach me, was it?’
Bea’s good manners finally brought her to her feet so she could curtsey.
‘Oh, sit down,’ Lady Leith said. ‘You look ready to faint.’ Lady Leith pulled another chair close to her friend and sat down. ‘Now we will get to the bottom of this fiasco.’
‘There must be some mistake,’ Bea began and was cut short by the widow.
‘Yes, yours!’
Lady Leith laid a hand on the widow’s arm. ‘We will not get anywhere if you keep making accusations. It is clear Miss Er… Oh, we will get back to that in a moment. It is clear you did not know Robert was already married.’
There was a degree of sympathy in Lady Leith’s voice which Bea welcomed. This lady would at least listen.
‘I married Rob three….’
‘Stop referring to my husband in that familiar manner!’
Freddie appeared again. ‘More trouble Bea?’
‘No,’ she said quickly. ‘These ladies and I have something to discuss.’ Bea glanced at her sympathiser. ‘Would you come upstairs?’
‘A good idea,’ Lady Leith agreed.
Bea told Freddie to ask Dora to send up tea and then mind the shop. Then she led the way up to the parlour.
Mrs Robinson-Fleming was overweight and the climb left her with no breath for interruptions. Bea saw them settled and took a chair opposite. Taking advantage of the widow’s wheezes, Bea began to explain.
‘I married Mr Fleming three years ago. After my father died. They were old friends. He had visited us frequently over the years. I called him Uncle Rob. He offered marriage as a way for me to stay here. There was never any, er, intimacy between us.’
Mrs Robinson-Fleming had regained enough breath to say, ‘Thank God for that.’
‘Indeed. So, we do not have to worry about embarrassing additions?’
‘Bastards.’ The widow was gaining strength.
Bea had never heard the word spoken, knowingly, in her presence and certainly not by a lady. The coarseness stiffened Bea’s spirit.
‘No,’ she said firmly. ‘We had a business arrangement so I could continue to run the bookshop.’
‘If it was a partnership why did you pretend to be married?’
‘I didn’t pretend. We were married in the Town Hall. I have a certificate to prove it. Shall I fetch it?’
Lady Leith shook her head. ‘I don’t see how that was obtained legally. Robert was married to his wife for over twenty years.’
‘Of course, it was not legal, just another of Robert’s schemes. I wonder how many more ‘wives’ are going to turn up on my doorstep.’
A tap on the door stopped her from continuing. Dora came in the tea tray and looked enquiringly at Bea. ‘Thank you, Dora. I will pour.’ The formality on top of Freddie’s remarks made Dora reluctant to leave. Bea nodded and gave a tiny smile of reassurance. Dora left, closing the door with more than usual force.
A cup of tea and a chance to take in her surroundings had a calming effect on the widow. The furniture was good quality and well kept. There were paintings on the tastefully papered walls and flowers on a table by the window.
‘Miss! What is your name?’
‘I thought it was Mrs Fleming. I thought Robinson was a given name. I suppose I am still Miss Hastings.’
Dora returned. ‘Excuse me but Mrs Adams is at the back door for her lesson. She says the closed sign is up.’
‘Please give her my apologies. Say I have some unexpected visitors.’
Dora frowned and left reluctantly.
‘Who was that,’ Mrs Robinson-Fleming demanded. ‘Can she be trusted not to talk?
‘Dora, Mrs Cotton, is my greatest and most loyal friend. She was a witness at my wedding.’
Mrs Robinson-Fleming threw up her hands. ‘Who else knows?’
‘Well,’ Bea replied with a shrug. ‘Most of the people hereabouts, my customers and Freddie, my general helper. He was also a witness. And the land agent, of course. He transferred the lease into Rob’s name.’ Bea ignored the widow’s snort at her use of Rob’s name. But what else could she call him? He was not even Mr Fleming. Bea swallowed the tears that threatened. Rob was dead and the fact had only just hit her.
‘When did he die?’ Bea asked quietly.
‘Two months ago. Not that is any of your business.’
Bea decided she did not like this woman and turned to the more sympathetic Lady.
‘I think it is very much my business. I have been innocently involved in a bigamous …’ She could not complete the sentence. ‘Oh, what am I to do? Will I be charged? I really did not know he was married.’
