Free Cherry Tree Lane by Anna Jacobs Page B

armchairs. ‘Now, my dear, tell us what brought you here.’
    Mattie looked from one to the other, feeling trapped and helpless. She didn’t want to tell anyone about the past, because it’d bring back memories of her sisters. She didn’t even know where they were now, or if they were still safe, and wouldn’t for a long time, if ever. Best if she made a new life for herself and kept her thoughts away from the past, surely?
    ‘We can’t help you if we don’t know who you’re running from,’ Miss Newington prompted.
    ‘Perhaps we should give her time to get to know and trust us,’ Jacob said.
    And it was that understanding and kindness in his face that made Mattie change her mind. She managed to explain exactly why she was there and what had happened to her sisters, by which time she felt exhausted and could hardly keep her eyes open.
    ‘Let her sleep now,’ Jacob said.
    What a lovely man he was, Mattie thought. She smiled at him and let herself slide into sleep. Miss Newington led the way into the kitchen. ‘She’s had a bad time with that stepfather if what she’s telling us is true.’
    ‘I’m sure it is. She hasn’t got a liar’s face.’
    ‘I agree with you. Rather a nice-looking young woman, actually, even now, when she’s not well. Not a beauty. Comely is the word I’d use to describe her. The pretty ones fade by her age, but comely stays with a woman.’
    Jacob didn’t comment on his guest’s looks. He thought she was very pretty, with those lovely blue eyes. ‘That stepfather sounds a nasty sort.’ He waited for Miss Newington to reply, but she didn’t and when he looked at her, she was staring blankly ahead, her expression bleak.
    ‘Some fathers are like that, think they own their children, make their lives a misery,’ she murmured.
    He was suddenly sure that, lady or not, she’d had a domineering father, but he didn’t say so, of course.
    She shook her head quickly, like a dog shaking off raindrops. ‘I’d like to go on helping her. It’s not fitting for you to nurse her, a man on your own.’
    ‘We can hardly move her to the big house. She needs to be kept quiet and warm until her congestion eases.’
    ‘Yes. I’d send young Lyddie down to help you, but I need to keep the girl with me in case we get more intruders. She’s the only one nimble enough to run for help if necessary.’ She looked round. ‘You definitely need a woman’s touch in this house.’
    ‘We manage all right.’
    She speared him with a glance. ‘Not really, Mr Kemble. This room could do with a good bottoming. Mrs Grey hasn’t been doing a very good job. And I daresay the rest of the house is as bad. Your clothes may be clean but they’re torn and haven’t been ironed.’
    He couldn’t help scowling. ‘It’s a small village. There isn’t anyone I could hire to do my mending who wouldn’t take advantage. Mrs Henty said I should marry Essie Jupe.’
    ‘Good heavens! No man in his senses would marry that slovenly fool.’
    ‘Exactly.’
    ‘If you’re to help me as I wish, I believe I must first help you sort out your life. I shall look for a wife for you, one who will be a helpmeet and a credit to you.’
    Before he could refuse this offer she stood up and made for the door.
    After it had closed behind her, he came back to sit in front of the kitchen range and have a think. The way Miss Newington had spoken made him feel uneasy, because he had a suspicion she was planning something. He didn’t want to marry again, well, not unless he met someone he could love and respect. He had his children and that was enough for the moment.
    But if he had the new job, he could perhaps afford to hire Lyddie’s sister to be his housekeeper instead of marrying someone he didn’t particularly like. Yes, that might be the thing to do. Surely Miss Newington would understand that? He’d put it to her next time he saw her.
     
     
    That night intruders once again tried to attack Newington House, three of them this