Free Candles in the Storm by Rita Bradshaw Page B

shall need to know your business first.’
     
    ‘Know my business?’ Josiah Kirby had been valet to the master of Greyfriar Hall, situated south of Felling, the largest and best-run country estate in Durham - according to the army of servants who worked there - for thirty-five years, and considered this position superior to any other, even that of Middleton the butler. He had his master’s ear in a way none of the other servants did and was the recipient of his confidences. All the staff were aware of this and treated him accordingly. He demanded and received the utmost respect, and now this little chit of a fishergirl dared speak to him in this fashion? His thin mouth became even thinner as he said icily, ‘I am here as envoy for Sir Augustus Fraser. Let me pass, girl.’
     
    ‘When I know your name an’ your business.’
     
    He would have slapped any of the Hall’s maids had they dared to look at him as this baggage was doing, and seen to it they were sent packing without a reference. Daisy watched him straighten his slight shoulders and adjust the collar of the thick greatcoat he was wearing before he said, slowly and very deliberately, ‘My name is Mr Josiah Kirby and I am making enquiries into the whereabouts of Sir Augustus’s son, Mr William Fraser. I understand you are keeping a young man here, one who was travelling on the Aquitania which left France for England the day before yesterday.’
     
    He made it sound as though she was keeping the young man a prisoner against his will. Daisy’s answer was prompt and once again without undue ceremony. ‘A ship sank out yonder yesterday mornin” - she pointed to the wide expanse of ocean which was now shimmering calm and placid under a brightening sky - ‘an’ a young man was saved from the water, but he’s in a poor way.’
     
    She stood aside to let the men pass as she spoke but only Josiah Kirby moved into the cottage. After waiting a moment Daisy closed the door on the other three and turned to find their visitor kneeling by the mattress, saying, ‘Thank God! Oh, thank God, sir. You’re safe,’ to the young man who had his eyes open. And then the older man swung round to glare at Daisy as he barked, ‘What is the meaning of keeping Mr Fraser here like this? Why did you not contact the authorities? Sir Augustus and the family have been out of their minds with worry.’
     
    She stared at the nasty little man, and resentment and indignation made her voice sharp as she cut across the protests Nellie was making from her bed and said, ‘I wasn’t in a fit state to go anywhere yesterday an’ he couldn’t have been left anyway. I was goin’ to get someone to go into Monkwearmouth today.’
     
    ‘Really?’ It was said in a tone of disbelief. ‘And where are Mr William’s belongings and his clothes? What have you done with those?’
     
    Was he calling her a thief? Daisy couldn’t remember when she had been so angry. ‘He didn’t have no belongings an’ his clothes are dryin’.’
     
    ‘No belongings?’
     
    ‘Are you barmy, man?’ Nellie’s voice was deceptively soft as she entered the fray. ‘The lass has just told you, the lad was fished out of the water when the boat went down - an’ you’ve her to thank for that an’ all. Without Daisy here riskin’ her own life to save his, your master’s precious son would be with the rest of the passengers an’ their belongings an’ such, at the bottom of the sea keepin’ company with Davey Jones’ locker. Look at him.’ She pointed a bony finger at the figure on the mattress. ‘He’s still in cloud cuckooland an’ likely will be for days, but he’s a darn’ sight better than he was yesterday, an’ that’s due to me lass.’
     
    Josiah Kirby glared at the old woman before looking down at his master’s son again, and when he saw the young man’s eyes were shut and he appeared to be asleep the truth of Nellie’s statement was borne out. ‘He’s sick.’ His hand reached out