Kate’s tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth which was dry and unresponsive. She tried to speak but nothing came.
‘I’m sorry, I’ve startled you,’ Carnforth said. ‘Come, let us go and sit on the bench where you can watch over the children and I will explain myself.’
Kate followed as he led the way to a place where the children were in full view. He waited until she sat first and then took his place at a suitable distance, at the other end of the bench.
‘I recognized the children. Young Thomas doesn’t change much, looks as serious as ever. Philip has told me all about you, Kate, how good you are at your job and how Clara depends upon you,’ Carnforth said. ‘You’re more than a maid to her, I understand. She counts you amongst her friends.’
Kate finally found her voice. ‘I don’t know what . . .’ she began.
‘What business it is of mine? Quite so! Impertinent of me, I can only apologize again,’ Carnforth said. ‘I’m in town on business and I’m arranging to pay a visit to Mrs Winton and family so I thought it polite to just say hello. Philip tells me that Clara is getting you involved in all sorts of activities that may get the two of you into some trouble.’
Kate looked at him. ‘Trouble?’ she asked.
‘Yes, this suffragette business. He says he’d feel happier if you two young women had someone to call upon, other than his parents, should you need assistance, without drawing too much attention to yourselves, you understand?’
He handed Kate a gilt-edged card. She read the black print:Mr Edward Carnforth, importer of fine goods, Carnforth and Sons, London, Southampton and Andover.
‘Thank you, Mr Carnforth,’ Kate replied,’ but I can’t think when I might need it.’
‘Well, we’ll see what the future brings, shall we? Philip asked after you when I saw him and . . .’
‘Which was when, sir?’ Kate asked.
‘Just a few days ago actually, I was in Cambridge conducting some business for my father and we had lunch together. He seems to be settling in well. Finding his way around and so on.’
‘How is Master Philip?’ Kate asked.
‘He’s well and I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to refer to him as Master Philip anymore, he’s out of his short trousers now.’ Carnforth grinned.
Kate blushed and looked away to where the children were playing.
Carnforth called out to them, ‘Simon, Sophie, Thomas, look who’s here, you rascals.’
Sophie and Simon came running and threw themselves around Carnforth, holding onto his legs and pleading, ‘Chase, chase, hide and seek, piggyback, please.’
Thomas dawdled up and shoved his specimen jar in Carnforth’s face. ‘Name the species, Edward,’ he said, adding that his collection was ready to be viewed whenever Edward would like to see it.
‘Now, now children, that’s enough. I must get the children back for their lunch, Mr Carnforth,’ she said standing up. ‘Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and the children. Please give my best regards to Master Philip when you see him again. Now, I must wish you a good day.’
Carnforth stood, straightened his morning coat and replaced his hat. ‘Good day, Kate. We shall meet again very soon,’ he said pursing his lips and then smiling broadly.
Kate pocketed the card, gathered up the children, who were protesting, and marched them home to Woodland House.
She thought about the encounter all the way back home and tried to make sense of it. She couldn’t quite understand why such a man would feel the need to make her acquaintance. All that talk of wishing to help if she was in trouble! She couldn’t dwell on it though, for as soon as they returned she was greeted by Mrs Winton with a list of demands which included getting the children’s lunch. Mrs B and Eliza were making last-minute preparations for the unexpected arrival of a guest for dinner and were therefore far too busy to talk.
Mrs Winton had eaten an early lunch and intended to take an afternoon nap, as she was expected to entertain that evening. The children must be instructed to read or draw or entertain themselves with some quiet activity that would not disturb their mother’s repose. Kate served their lunch and then sat with them to ensure that peace and calm prevailed. She busied herself with sewing duties, ever mindful of Mrs B’s caution about ‘idle hands’and ‘the devil’s work’. She had been instructed to embroider the twins’ full names on their handkerchiefs so that they didn’t argue over whose had been lost and whose had been used to clean their shoes. A simple S was no longer acceptable as it gave too much room for arguments.
Kate hadn’t been sewing for long when Clara opened the door and stood looking at her. She had her scheming face on. A half smile with a puckered frown. Instead of coming in, Clara beckoned to Kate and she followed Clara out of the room. Clara closed the nursery door quietly and whispered, ‘They’ll be all right for a while. I need to talk to you. Come with me to my room.’
Kate had been in Clara’s room before and she always wished that she could show her sister, Dot, the beauty of the decorations and furnishings, which Clara had been allowed to choose for herself. The walls were painted pale pink with a raised white panel design and picture rail. The bed had silky light-green drapes with a delicate floral design and the same material was used to cover a pretty little tub chair. There was a large mirror on the wall in a cream frame, adorned with hand-painted flowers in pinks and greens. The huge wardrobe in the corner, also painted in the same style, stretched from floor to ceiling and held, Kate knew, many expensive dresses.
Clara closed the door and ushered Kate to the bed where they sat side by side.
‘The children told me you met Carnforth in the park,’ Clara said.
‘Yes, he tells me he’s—’
‘A friend of Philip’s, yes. When he’s in town, he’s invited to all the important social gatherings. He’s in high demand,’ Clara said.
