The River Maid

‘No one. I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘What’s going on, Raven?’ A fashionably dressed young woman leaned out of the carriage, staring curiously at Essie. ‘Who is that?’

‘Get in. We’re drawing attention to ourselves.’ Without a by-your-leave Raven lifted Essie off her feet and tossed her into the vehicle. He climbed in and closed the door. ‘Now then, I want an explanation.’

‘My dear, you’re scaring the poor creature.’ The young woman turned to Essie with a beguiling smile. ‘Who are you? And why were you following this man?’

‘She is the boatman’s daughter,’ Raven said angrily. ‘Unfortunately our paths crossed just as I was leaving White’s Rents in answer to your note, Alice. I wasn’t to know the silly little fool would follow me.’

‘I am not a fool,’ Essie protested. ‘And I’m capable of speaking up for myself, sir.’

‘Aha, a young lady of spirit.’ Alice leaned back against the padded velvet squabs, putting her head on one side as she eyed Essie with renewed interest. ‘Tell me about yourself. What’s your name?’

‘I might ask the same of you, ma’am,’ Essie said stiffly. ‘I didn’t ask to be pitched into your carriage. I was merely following this man because I want to know what he’s up to.’

‘Let’s start with who you are, shall we?’

‘My name is Esther Chapman and I brought this fellow ashore from a foreign vessel, with very little thanks for my trouble and a good deal of inconvenience, I might add.’

‘Really? I’m impressed, and I apologise for Raven’s treatment of you, but he is rather anxious to keep his presence in London a secret, as you might have guessed. And you are quite correct, introductions should have been made first. I am Alice Crozier.’

‘Lady Alice Crozier,’ Raven added with a wry smile. ‘Daughter of the Earl of Dawlish.’

‘I’m sure that has little interest for Esther,’ Alice said sweetly. ‘I’ll thank you to mind your own business, Raven.’

‘You are very much my concern, Alice.’ Raven’s smile faded as he turned to Essie. ‘You will keep this to yourself.’

She nodded. ‘I just want to know what you’re up to, and what business you have that keeps you out all night. Times are hard enough without dragging my pa into something shady.’

Alice raised her eyebrows, fixing Raven with a questioning glance. ‘Well? What do you say to that?’

He eyed Essie thoughtfully. ‘How trustworthy are you, Esther?’

‘It all depends what you mean by trustworthy. My main concern is for Pa and myself. We’re struggling as it is and we don’t want any trouble.’

‘But you’ve taken my money,’ Raven said smoothly. ‘That might implicate you in my crime, or whatever you imagine my misdeeds to be.’

Alice laid her mittened hand on his arm. ‘Stop teasing the poor girl, Raven. I think Esther could be trusted, and anyway she knows too much to fob her off with threats or platitudes.’

He leaned back in his seat, fixing his intense gaze on Essie. ‘I am a convicted felon,’ he said slowly. ‘I was transported to Australia five years ago.’

Essie, for once, was speechless – she could only stare at him in amazement. He was obviously an educated man, and not the sort she associated with the crimes that could be punished by transportation to the colonies.

‘That surprises you,’ Raven continued. ‘I suppose I should be flattered, but I was accused of obstructing officers of the Crown and sentenced to seven years’ penal servitude.’

‘Were you guilty?’ Essie demanded, finding her voice at last. ‘What did you do?’

‘That doesn’t matter.’ Raven turned his head away, staring out into the street. It had started to rain and the passers-by were scurrying for shelter.

‘He was protecting his brother.’ Alice leaned towards Essie. ‘Raven did not deserve such a harsh sentence. He was punished because he came from a privileged background and was supposed to set an example to his inferiors, or so the judge said.’

‘Seven years sounds a bit harsh,’ Essie said thoughtfully. ‘I don’t know what your brother did, but surely he should have been punished, not you.’

‘My brother was young and irresponsible. He got away.’

‘You saved him from himself,’ Alice said severely. ‘Frederick was your mother’s spoiled darling, and he thought he could do as he pleased. But for you he would have been sent to a penal colony instead of living a life of luxury abroad.’

‘A monastery in Italy is hardly the most thrilling place for someone like Freddie to spend the rest of his days.’ Raven shook his head. ‘I intend to clear both our names, but I’m no hero. If I’m discovered I’ll be thrown into jail and will probably face the death penalty.’

‘Then why have you risked everything to return to London?’ Essie demanded.

‘It’s a matter of trust and honour, but I don’t want you to be involved.’

‘But she is already,’ Alice said gently. ‘And you are risking everything by being seen in daylight. We will all be in trouble if you’re recognised.’

‘I know that, Alice. But I have to see Gilfoyle today – it’s taking too much time with all this creeping about at night. I need to go to his office and have it out with him.’

Alice’s green eyes widened and her mouth turned down at the corners. ‘That’s insanity.’

‘Nevertheless, I must see him in person. I have to sort out my affairs before the Santa Gabriella sails. I have to be on that ship.’

Essie shifted uncomfortably on the padded velvet seat. ‘I shouldn’t be here. Perhaps I ought to go home. I have to find work anyway.’

Alice reached out to grasp Essie’s wrist. ‘Don’t go yet. I have an idea that might save us all from a great deal of trouble and heartache.’

‘You always were the clever one in the family,’ Raven said with a wry smile. ‘What do you suggest?’

Alice ignored him, concentrating her attention on Essie. ‘How do you earn your living, Esther?’

‘It’s Essie, my lady. No one calls me Esther unless I’m in trouble.’

‘All right then, Essie – what work are you looking for?’

‘My pa fell and hurt his back. He’s works the river and I’ve taken over his job while he’s poorly.’

‘Forgive me, but I don’t know what that entails.’

‘We have a boat and we do trips that are too small for the watermen and lightermen to take on. As I told you, I brought Mr Raven ashore the other night, and it was blooming difficult, rowing against wind and tide.’

‘We need a go-between, Essie,’ Alice said earnestly. ‘Raven is risking everything simply by returning to London, but he has important business to transact.’

Essie looked from one to the other. Raven was frowning thoughtfully, but he made no comment. ‘You’re an escaped convict,’ she said slowly. ‘I’d be in trouble too, if you were caught.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, you would. I don’t want you going into this blindly.’

‘But we would pay you well,’ Alice insisted. ‘You’re involved now anyway.’

‘Don’t tell the girl that,’ Raven said angrily. ‘She can still walk away. I won’t be responsible for ruining a young life.’ He fixed Essie with an intense look. ‘You aren’t under any obligation to me or my cousin. If you’re unhappy with this you are free to go now, and nothing more will be said.’