White Water by Pamela Oldfield Read Free Book Online

was kind to her,’ Maria said suddenly. ‘I think I was. Such a pitifully short life. I hope she was happy.’
    ‘Indeed she was,’ said Melissa. ‘A husband who adored her, an affectionate family, a comfortable home. Of course she was happy. How could she be otherwise?’
    ‘But to die before she had a child. Such a grievous loss, never to know a child’s love.’
    Melissa was silent, thinking fleetingly of her own son, Oliver, now a young man of twenty-four. He had left home ten years ago to go to sea and she had not seen him since. They had an occasional letter and these she treasured, reading them again and again, trying to picture her quiet son, wondering how he survived the rigours of a sailor’s life. Nightly she prayed for his deliverance from danger and for his eventual safe return.
    Maria fussed with the dead girl’s gown, twitching the folds into place and tucking the hem more securely under the small feet. ‘She looks very beautiful,’ she said. ‘Tomorrow I shall search for white flowers, some to tuck into her hands, others to circle her head. What d’you think Melissa?’
    ‘I like it. Flowers lend a certain delicacy.’
    ‘Aye. I think so.’ She sighed again. ‘And Beth is to leave us tomorrow. Did you know?’
    ‘Beth? Why, no.’
    ‘Her sister is also stricken and leaves a crippled husband.’
    ‘Sweet heaven! And this is a mild outbreak! Where will it end? But how will you manage without her?’
    Maria turned to her hopefully. ‘I meant to speak with you on the subject. I wondered if I might have Minnie here if Maggie would come to you.’
    ‘Maggie Ball at the bakery?’
    ‘Aye. She has often said that she might one day give it up. She is greatly aged this past two years and might welcome the idea. Will you think on it?’
    Melissa considered the idea and found it agreeable. There was a bond between herself and Maggie which no one else could share. They had both loved Simon Kendal and both had lost him. In a way Melissa admired the forthright Maggie for her independent spirit and ready humour. Melissa smiled wryly. ‘I dare say Maggie would rather come to Heron and be near her beloved Allan. To her he is almost a son.’
    Maria shrugged. ‘Minnie would never recover if she did. She has been trying to find a way back here since the day she moved to Ladyford.’
    They both laughed. Maria moved the candles nearer to the head of the coffin and Melissa looked at her curiously.
    ‘I know,’ said Maria. ‘I fidget. ’Tis foolish but I want to satisfy myself I have done all that I can for her. I cannot quite believe that she is dead and beyond the small comforts of life.’
    ‘Her soul is on its way to God,’ said Melissa. ‘The passing bell rang long and loud. She is at peace now. Let her be.’
    Maria took a deep breath and smoothed her own skirts. ‘You are right. ’Tis no use fretting over the dead. ’Tis the living need our help. Tomorrow, if Allan is not returned, I must send Matt in search of him.’
    ‘And I will speak to Thomas about Maggie and most likely ride into Ashburton to see her. You will need help with the funeral feast with Beth gone. How strange to lose Beth after all these years.’
    With a final glance at Harriet, they moved quietly to the door and out onto the landing. The rest of the household were already asleep and the only noise was the wind in the chestnut tree. It was too late for Melissa to return to Ladyford so she would sleep at Heron. She took the proffered candle from Maria and kissed her lightly.
    ‘Sleep easy,’ she told her. ‘You have done all that you could.’
    Maria’s eyes were large in the flickering light. ‘I hope so,’ she said earnestly. ‘I truly hope so.’
    *
    Allan had ridden fast and furious, across Dartmoor. Oblivious of his destination, he had ridden due east over the sprawling moorland unaware of the darkening sky that heralded nightfall. He rode without stopping, spurring his horse unmercifully so that it raced