Dilly Court - The Swan Maid

‘Lady Aurelia isn’t like that.’

Maggie pulled a face. ‘She’s got quite a reputation, has that one. You’ll find out, Lottie. I just hope you’re up to the challenge.’ She swivelled round on her stool as the waiters reappeared. This time they were empty-handed, except for Perks. He thrust a plate of food into Maggie’s hands. ‘That’s all I could get, miss.’

She blew him a kiss. ‘Thank you, Rodney. I’ll love you for ever.’

He dashed into the mess hall, leaving them with bread, cheese and a slice or two of roast chicken.

‘I do hope he doesn’t get into trouble,’ Lottie said through a mouthful of cheddar.

‘This will do, but he’d better bring us some dessert, or I’ll be very cross with that young man.’ Maggie bit into a hunk of bread. ‘He won’t warrant a kiss unless I get a bowl of strawberries and cream or some fruit jelly.’

‘Are we the only ladies’ maids in the camp?’ Lottie selected a piece of chicken.

‘The wives of the more junior officers are more likely to live in the town, and they’ll have a servant or two, but not like us.’ Maggie licked her fingers. ‘We’re far superior to most. Just remember that, my friend.’ She slid off her stool. ‘I’m going outside for a breath of air, but I’ll be back in a few minutes.’

Maggie’s idea of time seemed to be elastic and she was gone for such a long time that Lottie became worried and she went to open the door and look outside. Darkness was falling but she could just make out Maggie, who was sharing a cigarillo with the sentry. The end of the butt glowed in the dusk and puffs of smoke floated up into the sky.

‘Maggie,’ Lottie said as loudly as she dared. ‘They’ve cleared away the main course.’

Maggie took a last drag on the cigarillo before handing it back to the man on duty. ‘Ta, love. I needed that.’ She sashayed towards Lottie, exhaling smoke. ‘Don’t look so shocked. I enjoy a smoke just as much as the men.’

‘I was just thinking that you’d both be in trouble if you were caught,’ Lottie said calmly.

‘Life’s no fun unless you take a chance or two.’ Maggie opened the door. ‘I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for dessert.’ She linked her hand through Lottie’s arm. ‘Come on, love.’

They arrived back to find Private Perks standing self-consciously by the door, clutching a plate of strawberries and cream. Maggie released Lottie and snatched it from him. ‘You’re a darling, Rodney. You must be your mother’s pride and joy.’

He blushed to the roots of his blond hair. ‘I can’t get you any more food, miss. That’ll have to be the last.’

Maggie popped a strawberry into her mouth. ‘I fancy one of those little cakes,’ she said, eyeing a silver platter laid out with dainty pastries.

‘Let him go,’ Lottie said in a low voice. ‘Don’t tease the poor chap.’

Perks shot her a grateful look. ‘No more, miss. You understand, don’t you?’

‘Of course. We won’t bother you again.’ Lottie stood aside to allow him to escape into the mess hall. ‘Leave him alone, Maggie.’

‘You’re no fun.’ Maggie shoved the plate under her nose. ‘Have a strawberry. They’re delicious.’

The words had barely left her mouth when the door opened and Gideon emerged from the dining room. He came to a halt, frowning. ‘I might have guessed it was you, Miss Cole. Perks doesn’t know if he’s coming or going. He’s just spilled a whole jug of cream on Mrs Fothergill’s skirt.’

Maggie swallowed a mouthful of fruit. ‘Oh dear Lord, she’ll be in a state for days.’ She thrust the plate into Lottie’s hand. ‘Take this, and don’t let on.’ She slid off the stool just as the doors flew open and an irate woman erupted into the anteroom.

‘Oh Lord,’ Maggie said again, sighing. ‘It had to be her, didn’t it?’

‘Look at me, Cole. My best gown is ruined. I’ll make sure that young private is dealt with severely.’ Mrs Fothergill held out the skirts of her purple gown, which clashed horribly with her berry-red hair.

Maggie folded her hands in front of her. ‘I’m so sorry, madam.’

‘This gown cost a small fortune.’ Mrs Fothergill clutched her hands to her bosom. ‘I feel faint. Send for my carriage, Cole. I want to go home.’

Maggie bobbed a curtsey. ‘Yes, madam. Right away.’ She snapped her fingers at Gideon, who had been standing to attention, keeping his eyes averted. ‘You heard Mrs Fothergill, Private Ellis. See that her carriage is brought round immediately.’

Lottie noted the muscle twitching at the corner of Gideon’s mouth and she could see that he was controlling himself with difficulty, but he nodded and strode out of the building.

Lottie herself had no such means of escape and she hid the plate behind her back. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

Mrs Fothergill glared at her. ‘Who are you, girl?’

‘I’m Lady Aurelia Dashwood’s new maid, ma’am.’

‘Merriweather might have had a remedy, but I don’t expect a girl like you to know how to care for expensive fabrics. I’m surprised that Lady Aurelia took you on.’

‘Don’t take your anger out on her, madam.’ Aurelia’s angry voice caused Mrs Fothergill to turn with a start.

‘I didn’t see you there, my lady.’

‘Apparently not.’ Aurelia closed the door to the mess hall, shutting out the burst of conversation and laughter. ‘I saw what happened and it was entirely your fault. I hope you aren’t going to pretend it was Private Perks who was to blame.’

Mrs Fothergill’s cheeks puffed out as if she were about to explode. ‘He was holding the cream jug. It was he who spilled it all over me. Just look at my gown – it’s ruined.’

‘You jogged his hand,’ Aurelia said calmly. ‘You weren’t paying attention, Mrs Fothergill, and now the poor young man is in trouble because of your carelessness. It won’t do, and I shall tell Dashwood so.’

Lottie held her breath, looking from one to the other, although she had no doubt who would win this contest of wills, and Mrs Fothergill seemed to have come to a similar conclusion. She tossed her head and marched towards the outer door. ‘I think I heard the carriage approaching. Come along, Cole. Don’t dawdle.’

Maggie snatched Mrs Fothergill’s cape from its peg and followed her, pausing to turn her head and wink at Lottie before going outside.

‘Well, then, you can put the plate down now, Lottie,’ Aurelia said casually. ‘Poor Perks was in a state of agitated nerves and I think I know whom to blame for that.’ She held up her hand. ‘It’s all right, I’m well aware of Miss Cole’s antics, and if her mistress knew the half of it she would sack the woman on the spot. Don’t allow her to lead you astray.’

‘No, my lady.’ Lottie put the plate on one of the stools. ‘Are we leaving now?’

‘Yes, I’ve had enough chitchat for one evening, and Mrs Fothergill’s unfortunate accident gave me the opportunity to slip away.’ Aurelia beckoned to Gideon, who was standing by the door. ‘Private Ellis, you may see us home.’

Gideon snapped to attention. ‘Yes, my lady.’

‘Miss Lane is new to army life and I shall charge you with the responsibility of showing her around.’

‘Yes, my lady.’ Gideon held the door open for them. ‘It will be my pleasure.’

‘Not too much pleasure, I hope.’ Aurelia tapped him on the arm with her fan. ‘You’ll be leaving soon for the Crimea, Private Ellis. Just remember that.’

‘I will, my lady.’

‘Your cloak, my lady.’ Lottie hurried after her, but Aurelia dismissed the offer with a wave of her hand.

‘It’s a lovely warm evening. I don’t need it.’ She walked on slowly, leaving Lottie and Gideon to follow at a discreet distance.