down, shivering as the wind blew in from the sea. The waves thudding on the rocks below echoed the pounding of her heart and once again she wished she was with Kitto, his hand holding hers as they made plans for their future.
Her musing was interrupted by her father digging her in the ribs as the door was opened by a tight-lipped housekeeper. Disapproval oozed from every pore as she looked them up and down with a sniff.
‘Do you want me to hang them, er, shawls on the stand?’ she asked, looking relieved when Colenso shook her head. Whether it was correct or not, she intended keeping herself as covered as possible. The housekeeper led them quickly down a hallway bereft of any pictures or ornamentation, and into the sparsely furnished front parlour. A fire crackled in the grate, lending cheer to an otherwise dreary room.
‘Your, er, visitors,’ she announced disdainfully then, with another sniff and rustle of starched petticoats, withdrew.
‘Ah, Mr and Mrs Carne, welcome,’ Henry Fenton said, putting down his newspaper and rising to his feet. ‘And you have brought your charming daughter, I see.’ His nose twitched, his eyes glittering as they greeted the swell of her chest. ‘Would you like to divest yourself of your wrap?’ Again, Colenso shook her head and was gratified to see a flash of disappointment before he smiled again.
‘Good of you to invite us Mr Fenton, sir,’ Peder said. ‘This is Caja, my wife.’
‘What a delightful name,’ he smiled.
‘’Tis the Cornish for daisy, Mr Fenton, and I’m pleased to meet you, sir,’ Caja beamed, bobbing a little curtsey.
‘And Colenso you have already met, of course,’ Peder said, giving her a nudge towards him.
‘Indeed. And what does your name stand for, my dear?’ he asked, giving her a wide smile. It was as if their previous exchange had never taken place.
‘It means “from the dark pool”,’ Colenso replied.
‘Very appropriate for your exotic colouring, my dear,’ he smiled, that gleam sparking in his eyes once more. Exotic? What did that mean, Colenso mused, returning his smile through gritted teeth. And as for names, with his twitching nose and piercing eyes, ‘Ferret Fenton’ was certainly appropriate.
‘Do take a seat. My housekeeper, Mrs Grim, will return with a tray in fifteen minutes,’ he told them. ‘Now, Caja – I may call you that?’ he asked.
‘Why yes, sir, of course,’ she simpered, settling herself daintily on the edge of a chair beside the fire. ‘What a charming home you have here.’
‘Thank you, although as you will see from the furnishings, or rather lack of, it sorely needs attention. Now, do forgive me if I discuss Poltesco matters with your husband. I’d like to dispense with business before we partake of refreshment.’ Without waiting for her to answer, he turned to Peder. ‘You were telling me about your ambitions, Carne.’
‘Yes, Mr Fenton, sir. I have been labouring at the quarry for many years now – my undying loyalty, your works have. Long hours I labour shifting them heavy blocks, even saw and rough-shape when time is pressing, I do. It’s down to me spurring your men on that Poltesco orders are met.’
‘Indeed, Carne?’ Fenton replied with the merest quirk to his brow. ‘Well, such loyalty certainly deserves recognition. And you, my dear,’ he said, turning his gaze on Colenso. ‘Tell me how you spend your time, when you’re not fashioning my offcuts, that is,’ he laughed.
‘First of all, Mr Fenton, I’d like to make it quite clear that I am no thief. Any bits of serpentine I have used for my trinkets have been given to me.’ He studied her for a long moment then grinned.
‘Bravo, well said, my dear. I like a woman who stands up for herself. As I have already intimated to your father, I’m a reasonable man and sure I can be persuaded to overlook the matter in return for …’ He stopped as the grandfather clock in the corner of the room struck the quarter-hour and the door opened.
The housekeeper strode into the room carrying a tray of crockery along with a plate of saffron buns, followed by a young girl of about six, staggering under the weight of a huge teapot. Deftly, she placed the things on the table then turned the full force of her glare on the girl, who flustered and tripped, spilling dark liquid on the rug. As her eyes widened in fright, Colenso jumped to her feet and took the pot from her trembling hands.
‘Lady guests don’t help,’ Mrs Grim snapped, her voice laden with reproach. ‘Do you wish me to pour, Mr Fenton?’ she asked.
‘As I’m holding the pot, I might as well,’ Colenso replied before he could answer. The woman’s lips pursed in disapproval as she looked uncertainly at her boss.
‘Thank you, Mrs Grim, that will be all,’ he replied. With a brisk nod, the housekeeper marched from the room. As the little girl scuttled after her, Colenso winked, gratified to see her smile back. It was only when her father glared that she realized she was still standing in the middle of the room, pot in hand.
Quickly she poured the tea and handed it round.
‘Idiot,’ her father hissed as he took his cup from her.
‘Remember your place,’ Mamm whispered. However, judging from the way Ferret Fenton’s lips were twitching, it appeared he found the situation amusing.
‘Delicious buns, Mr Fenton, sir,’ Peder said, helping himself then spraying crumbs over his lap. ‘Our Colenso here is a dab hand at cooking and baking. She made the revels for both the Grade and Ruan Church feast days,’ he boasted.
‘Revels?’ the manager frowned.
‘They’re the same as those, really,’ Colenso said, pointing to the buns. ‘But with saffron so expensive, we only bake them for high days and holidays.’
‘Indeed? Well, as I consider today to be a high day, Miss Carne, let us enjoy the fruits of Mrs Grim’s labours,’ he chuckled.
‘Ah that’s good, Mr Fenton, sir. Fruit buns and fruits of her labours.’ Peder’s raucous laugh boomed around the room, spraying more crumbs everywhere. Not for the first time that afternoon, Colenso wished she was anywhere but here.
‘I hope you and your family have settled well on The Lizard, Mr Fenton,’ Caja enquired, breaking the ensuing silence. Knowing she was probing, Colenso shot her mamm a warning look.
‘Alas, I am a widower and not blessed with family. However, I’m gradually settling in, thank you. Though, as you can see, this house is sorely in need of a woman’s touch,’ he shrugged, his eyes sliding towards Colenso, who looked quickly away. He turned back to Caja.
‘Those threadbare drapes at the window, for example, were left by my predecessor and I really need to employ the services of a seamstress.’
‘Why, our Colenso’s also a dab with the needle. Helps Emily sew Her Ladyship’s attire, she do,’ Caja beamed.
‘Does she now? You are indeed useful with your hands, Miss Carne.’ As his speculative gaze sent shivers sliding down her back, the necklace stabbed at her chest. Despite her resolve, she’d found herself unable to remove Mammwynn’s gift but now, as the
