The Secrets of Sophia Musgrove Read online

  We settled down to chat, quite alone apart from the occasional appearance of Harry, who was careering around the house on a two-wheeled scooter contraption which the coachmen had helped him make. One of the plus points of the new baby was that Mrs Willow was quite obsessed with her, and did not like the young nurses to have sole charge of her – so she quite forgot about me at times.

  'I hear that you have a new addition to the family,' said Mr Hughes. 'I have brought a gift from my family for her.'

  'Oh, that is kind,' I said, accepting a pretty pink parcel from him. 'Would you like to see her?'

  'Very much. Although I fear she will hate the look of me – they all do!' he said, sounding just like my father!

  When we presented Connie to him, she cooed and lay happily in his arms. 'I think I shall take her home!' he announced, to which Harry replied: 'Indeed you shall not!'

  Ever since Mr Hughes had rescued me on the night of the party, I had felt warmly towards him. I suppose I should have felt rather embarrassed at seeing him again, but there was no sense of drama about him, just a steady and thoughtful presence that left me feeling quite serene and able to chat in an easy way.

  When Mr Hughes finally left, I had an odd feeling – as though I would miss him and eagerly anticipate the next time we met.

  Over the next two weeks I had time to think about my recent experiences and I realized I had some unfinished business to attend to in order to put my world straight again. Firstly I asked my father if we could invite Lily back into our employment.

  'Of course, I don't know if she'll want to come back,' I told him.

  'Well, you must be humble – you must go to her home and meet her face to face. And another thing, Sophie,' he cautioned. 'We don't want to hurt Annie's feelings, now do we?'

  'No, Papa. Of course not. What shall I say to her?' I asked.

  'Well, let's see what Lily says and then we can break the news very gently to Annie if necessary,' he suggested.

  I nodded, took on board all that he said, and a few days later went to visit Lily in person.

  Mrs Willow and I set off for the Whitechapel area, with Sid driving us. Luckily he knew exactly where to go.

  I had known that it would be a difficult experience, but I was not prepared for what I saw. As we left the smart West End behind, my eyes grew large at the sights before me. It was as if we were entering another land. I wrinkled up my nose at the smells of rotten fish and vegetables, as well as the raw sewage that ran along the sides of the cobbled streets. Mrs Willow held her handkerchief over her nose.

  Children with ragged clothes and bare feet were begging for food, and the tiny one- or two-roomed houses were tightly packed together as if fighting for space. As we slowed down, it dawned on me that Lily must live in one such house.

  The children must have been drawn to the Musgrove carriage as a symbol of wealth, for they cried out for food and pennies as soon as we stopped. I threw out all I had, and wished I had brought more to give.

  'Lily!' I cried when I saw my former maid washing clothes in a barrel by the door of her little house. I recalled that she had once told me that twenty people lived in her house, though I could hardly believe it when I saw how tiny it was.

  She looked up in surprise, followed by joy, which was quickly replaced by extreme embarrassment. 'Miss Sophia! What are you doing here? It's not safe for you!' she gasped.

  Dear Lily – always thinking of my safety! She's such a gem. I got out of the carriage.

  'Hello, Lily. I am here to talk to you. May I come inside?' I asked, seeing that we were surrounded by onlookers – mainly children and elderly people; working-age people would be in the factories, I assumed. Or maybe in the ale houses.

  'Er, yes, miss, but it's very cramped and damp,' Lily said nervously. 'But please come inside, of course.'

  Leaving Mrs Willow to wait in the carriage, I followed Lily into the main room, which was terribly dingy and stuffed with objects – though I could see her light touch in the neat piles of things and the thin curtains at the tiny window.

  Lily cleared a wooden chair for me to sit on, which I accepted. 'May I fetch you a cup of ale, miss?' she asked.

  'No, thank you, Lily,' I replied, clearing my throat. 'I am here to say sorry and to ask you if you would come back to Musgrove House. We miss you, and I realize I was wrong to be so cross with you. I have been very foolish of late, but I have learned a lesson, and I am so very sorry,' I explained tearfully.

  I thought I would have a hard job on my hands, but Lily fell to her knees beside me and said: 'Oh, thank you, Miss Sophie. We are all finding it hard here as I used to send most of my wages home. And now my brother Arthur might lose his job at the candle factory, and, well . . . of course I'll come back! I've missed you too! Anyway, I know I was wrong to tell your father your secrets. And I'm sorry for it too.'

  'Oh, Lily. You were just concerned, and you were right to be worried! I will tell you how it all turned out in due course. But thank you for agreeing to come back. It is excellent news!'

  'I've been thinking about a new hair-do for you as well,' Lily said eagerly. 'I saw it in a magazine what my neighbour got from her mistress over in the West End!'

  I laughed. 'I can't wait for you to try it out on me, Lily!' I said. 'I am thrilled that you will come back to us. And of course, we have a new baby now!' I told her.

  'Ooh, yes – how lovely, miss. When can I come back? And what is the baby called? And what's been happening? And how's Miss Lucy?' she said all at once.

  We laughed and fell into each other's arms. 'Come back and I will tell you everything !' I said.

  Lily packed a little bag and jumped into the carriage after saying farewell to her family.

  As we travelled back towards Mayfair, I realized that although I was still concerned about the slave trade (and will be, until it is no more), I was also worried about the starving on the streets of London too. I was beginning to see that there were many kinds of suffering out there. My broken heart seemed a trifling problem compared to some. I was more determined than ever to help change the world for the better, but I resolved to treat those I loved with more respect while I was doing so.

  Lily danced back into Musgrove House and made a beeline for the baby. I do believe that Mrs Willow was rather jealous when she proved to be popular with little Connie!

  Once Lily was back in her rightful place as my personal hairdresser, we discussed my remaining worry. My father was still shouldering the blame for the leaked documents and was due to meet the Prime Minister to receive his punishment now that he was back from the Daisy Park. I asked Lily if she thought I should go and confess what I had done to the Prime Minister himself.

  She knew about most of my idiotic behaviour, but she had not realized quite how low I had stooped with the theft of the papers.

  'Lily, do you think it will be all right to go behind my father's back one last time?' I asked her. 'I want to be totally honest about what I've done and not try and sweep it away,' I explained.

  She thought it over for a while. 'I agree that in future total honesty is the best policy, miss,' she said at last, 'but perhaps one last deception is just about all right.'

  One day shortly after this, just before I made my visit to help clear my father's name, Mrs Willow and I went on a shopping spree to purchase some new items for baby Connie. At last we could indulge ourselves in Bennets, the delightful baby outfitters in Mayfair. We chose a wonderful layette of white brushed-cotton baby gowns, knitted jackets, hats and tiny socks. It was lovely to know that Mama and the baby were both well. I had never seen Mrs Willow so happy.

  Of course, her other pet subject was Almack's ball, and our conversation soon turned to that.

  'Wouldn't it be wonderful if you got engaged soon? After Almack's would be perfect!' Mrs Willow trilled as we got into the carriage.

  'But to whom, exactly? You just want rid of me to have more time with Connie, don't you?' I teased.

  'Well, she is less testy, I must
admit. But no – I just fear that Mr Hughes won't wait for you for ever,' she replied. 'A man has his pride.'

  I tutted. Mr Hughes and I? Engaged! What an improbable thought.

  On our way back to the carriage, we passed a news-stand with the day's newspapers displayed. As usual there was a billboard with the day's main story. I stopped in my tracks as I read the headline: ANTI-SLAVERY CAMPAIGNERS IMPRISONED FOR VIOLENT ATTACK!

  'Mrs Willow, may we buy a newspaper please?' I asked.

  We stopped and paid for The Times.

  As we settled into the carriage, I scanned the front page. I could not believe it. Diana and two others from the anti-slavery group had attacked Viscount Castlereagh as he left the Palace of Westminster. It said:

  In an entirely unprovoked attack, the militant trio pulled the peer to the ground and battered his face and body with heavy sticks. He was left for dead and can only recall the group chanting the words: Die of shame!

  An onlooker managed to alert the guards, who ran to the Viscount's rescue. They gave chase and brought down the attackers, arresting them and throwing them into Westminster gaol . . .

  I gasped.

  'Are you all right, Sophie?' asked Mrs Willow.

  I nodded. 'I'll be fine.' I had certainly flirted with danger to please Marcus. I wondered what he was doing now . . . Obviously he had not been part of the passionate protest which had landed Diana in gaol. Had he ever cared about the plight of slaves? I wondered.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  I had never had any doubts about my plan to visit the Prime Minister but the news story stiffened my resolve further. I had learned that cruel acts cannot be countered with further cruelty. I dressed myself smartly for my visit and consoled myself that this was the last time I would do anything behind my father's back.

  I had met the Prime Minister several times at Musgrove House, and liked him well. When I arrived at White Lodge in Richmond Park, I was shown into his personal office.

  It was a dark room with rich, forest-green walls and Chesterfield sofas. A general sense of solemnity hung over it. The Prime Minster's desk was vast, with several inkwells upon it and neatly filed papers in coloured boxes. It smacked of a busy man, but an orderly one.

  The Prime Minster rose to greet me and took my hand. 'This is an unusual meeting, Miss Musgrove,' he said. 'Please sit down.'

  I sat on a sofa and he joined me there. I looked at his powdered grey wig and strong features. His nose was almost Roman, but there was no cruelty in his face. His eyes were large and kind, if a little weary, framed by heavy brows.

  'I know this is out of the ordinary, and I must thank you for seeing me. I am here to make a confession,' I told him, coming straight to the point.

  He looked confused, so I told him about my role in the leaking of the papers. I defended Papa's integrity and assured Mr Addington of his allegiance to him. I also told him of my burning desire to help put an end to the slave trade.

  The Prime Minister looked quite stern. 'Stealing those confidential papers was a most terrible thing to do, Miss Musgrove, wasn't it?'

  I agreed wholeheartedly.

  'You have behaved like a common criminal. And the crime is against your own papa. Shocking!' he said gravely.

  I hung my head.

  'But it is brave of you to come here,' he went on. 'Wise too.' He rose and paced the room. 'You are trying to clear your father's name. For that I commend you. I knew he would not have sold secrets for money as some believed, but I could not fathom the spring of the leak at all.' He sat at his desk and took out a sheet of paper, making notes as he spoke.

  'So, you have explained much that was troubling me,' he continued. 'As for your concern for the slaves, it is commendable. These issues keep me awake at night too. We have tried to end the trade, but to do so we must tackle all the roots and thorns of it, bit by stubborn bit.'

  I nodded. 'I have no doubt that it is a trickier situation than I first realized,' I assured him. 'At first I thought that the radical approach was the only answer, but now I know it is entirely wrong. Two wrongs will never make a right, will they, sir?'

  'Indeed not!' he replied firmly.

  'Perhaps debates and bills and small steps forward are the only ways,' I said.

  'You know, Miss Musgrove, there are a few fine ladies like yourself who campaign peacefully and gracefully for such causes – such as Elizabeth Heyrick and Anne Knight. I suggest you become involved with them, and avoid the more . . . shall we say, rascally elements of the campaigning fraternity,' Mr Addington said.

  'That sounds like an excellent idea, sir,' I replied. 'And as for my father, he loves his political work and has done no wrong – except to bring up a wayward daughter,' I added.

  The Prime Minister smiled. 'Let's say a highly spirited one, shall we?'

  I rose to leave. 'Thank you for your time. And my sincere apologies for my extremely bad behaviour. I can only beg for forgiveness again.'

  'Miss Musgrove, you are indeed a strong-minded girl. I would like to ask you how you got into the Palace of Westminster to execute your mission, but I am worried that I would find the details all too enthralling.'

  'It is a sorry story,' I admitted. 'Rest assured that it shall not happen again.' We shook hands. I could only hope that all this meant that my father's neck was off the chopping block.

  It was now late September, and we had been back in London for three weeks. I was finally getting excited about the autumn ball at Almack's and there were all sorts of things to be done. I had to have fittings – as I had agreed to a new gown after all – Lily insisted on trying out a new hairstyle on me, and I had to choose my jewellery.

  Besides all this, Estella helped me with other preparations such as deportment exercises, herbal preparations and walks in the fresh air to improve the complexion. She and I loved having each other for company again. Harry had now returned to The Glebe.

  'You are happier without Mr Dovetail, aren't you, dearest?' I said to Estella on one of our walks.

  'It is true, but I will see if it can work out in time. I cannot give up so soon!' she replied with a sigh.

  'Well, if he comes to live with us, we can check him when he is cruel. And we will!' I assured her.

  She nodded. In fact, we had a surprise at supper that evening, for Mr Dovetail appeared before us with no prior warning of his arrival. I thought poor Estella would die of fright.

  Papa drew himself up and asked him what he meant by shocking us in this fashion.

  'I am sorry, sir,' he replied. 'I was concerned that I might be refused the opportunity to see my wife if I announced my plans in advance.'

  Papa simply shook his head and replied, 'Be seated and join us for dinner.'

  I tried to make polite conversation throughout the meal for Estella's sake, but it was not easy: I felt that Mr Dovetail had helped to lure me into the clutches of Mr Stevens with his tall tales of how wonderful the man was. Surely he must have known he was a blackguard? But then again, Mr Dovetail is not blessed with the sharpest of brains, so perhaps he had no inkling. I couldn't be sure, but I felt that perhaps he had learned a lesson since Estella had rejoined the Musgrove fold. He certainly seemed to be making an effort that evening, but was he the type to unlearn a lesson just as fast as he'd picked it up?

  Whatever my misgivings, it was decided between Papa and Estella that Mr Dovetail would stay on as our guest for a while. I was relieved that we would be able to keep an eye on him and happy that I could still enjoy my sister's company.

  The next day, as if there wasn't enough going on, we were all of a twitter – for the Queen came to see Connie! It is true that Queen Charlotte adores babies, but I was worried that she was going to make noises about my mother returning to Court as well. Mama is unusual in that she has nursed all her babies herself, so I hoped that as long as Connie was reliant on her for nourishment, we would be safe.

  Queen Charlotte and Princess Amelia spent a whole jolly afternoon with us, admiring the baby and playing with h
er. As the Queen rose to leave, I held my breath, waiting for a comment about Court life.

  'Farewell, Maria,' she said. 'Let me know when Connie is weaned and we can see you once more at Kew.'

  Mama merely smiled and bid the royal pair farewell.

  Meanwhile my father was invited to meet the Prime Minister. It was several days since my own meeting with Mr Addington, and I waited anxiously for Papa to return, pacing around so much that I got on Mrs Willow's nerves.

  'Sit down and read! What vexes you?' she asked as she cuddled Connie in her arms.

  'Nothing, Mrs Willow. I am thinking, that is all,' I replied.

  'Well, why not just be for a change? You are thinking too much for my liking!' she retorted. I was even getting on Dinky's nerves. He loves to follow me, but I was pacing so much he couldn't keep up and went to lie in his basket.

  At last Papa came home and immediately asked to see me in private. We went into the library.

  'Is everything all right, Papa?' I asked him as he sat in his favourite winged armchair.

  He motioned for me to sit down opposite him. 'Yes, Sophie. I am to lie low for a further month and then resume my normal duties. In actual fact, I am finding this break from work quite refreshing with little Connie around,' he added. 'Oh, and Sophia, the Prime Minister thinks you have quite a career ahead of you in politics!'

  'Papa, that visit was my last secret from you, I promise!' I said.

  'I doubt it will be, but you must never betray me or those who love you ever again. Do you understand that, dear daughter?' he asked.

  I nodded. 'Papa, you have my word,' I assured him.

  'And I promise I will be more of a champion of the under-privileged in future,' he told me. 'And I will involve you more in my work.'

  'So I haven't been completely wicked these past few months?' I asked nervously.

  He looked thoughtful. 'No, you have done a great deal to shake things about. But wicked, no,' he said, shaking his head. 'Now, I have a baby to cuddle!' he added, and charged up to the nursery.