Man Behind the Façade. June Francis

nodded jerkily. ‘I recognise the name Hurst. Your father is dead, is he not?’

      ‘That’s right. My brother now has charge of the yard. I believe you are a stonemason, Master Caldwell,’ said Phillip politely.

      ‘If you’ll excuse me,’ interrupted Rebecca quietly, ‘I’ll just go up to the children. I bid you good even, Phillip.’

      ‘Good night, Becky,’ he said, taking her hand and pressing it gently. ‘Perhaps we’ll see each other again before too long.’

      She flashed him a smile, withdrew her hand and hurried out.

      There was a silence after she left and Simon Caldwell fiddled with a drawing implement on the table. ‘So, what are you doing in this area, Master Hurst?’ he asked after a moment or two.

      ‘I am just travelling through, but I might have need of a master mason to do some building work for me in the near future,’ he said impulsively, ‘so when Becky mentioned your name and occupation I was interested to meet you.’

      ‘I see.’ The other man ran a shaking hand through his iron-grey hair. ‘I cannot make any promises. It might be best if you looked for another mason.’

      Phillip was relieved, wondering why meeting Rebecca had caused him to broach a plan of action that he been considering this past year, but had decided was not feasible for at least another two years. ‘Unfortunately, just like ship’s carpenters, they are in short supply, so I am prepared to wait,’ he said easily.

      ‘If you are not in a rush, then that makes a difference.’ Simon Caldwell’s manner thawed but Phillip thought he still appeared a little on edge. ‘You would recognise Rebecca’s father if you saw him?’ asked the older man abruptly.

      Phillip was startled by the question. ‘Aye, but Master Mortimer is dead, so I don’t understand why you should ask such a question.’

      Simon Caldwell cleared his throat. ‘Master Hurst, do you believe in ghosts?’

      Phillip’s eyes narrowed. ‘Obviously, you believe that you have seen one if you ask me such a question,’ he said slowly.

      ‘Have I seen a ghost or was it a figment of my overtired brain?’ muttered Simon Caldwell, drumming his fingers on the table. ‘You have to understand that I only met the man twice. He was most difficult to deal with, as you undoubtedly know, having served as his apprentice.’

      Phillip nodded. ‘All I can say is that I would rather he didn’t come back from the dead.’

      ‘Agreed,’ said the other man, now gripping the table. ‘Yet I cannot ignore the sighting. If the labourers were to believe Draymore Manor is haunted, they’d be off. You know what they say about ghosts?’

      ‘That they have unfinished business here on earth,’ said Phillip, understanding why the man should be so nervous. ‘I presume Becky and the children have not seen this apparition?’

      ‘Saints’ teeth! You think I’d allow them to play around the manor house?’ said the other man fiercely. ‘Parts of the building are highly unstable. I’m thinking it’s a mistake I ever brought them here.’

      ‘Then send them home,’ advised Phillip.

      Simon Caldwell frowned. ‘Rebecca is a woman of good sense, but she is only a woman and wouldn’t be able to defend herself and my children against ruffians, Master Hurst.’

      There was a short silence and then hesitantly Phillip said, ‘If you would allow me to make a suggestion, Master Caldwell. On the morrow I will be travelling to Oxford as I have business there. If you are willing to entrust them to my care, I will provide them with my protection on the road.’

      Master Caldwell looked relieved. ‘That is generous of you. I must warn you that my son is an imp. A lovable lad, but an imp none the less.’

      ‘I am certain Becky copes well with him,’ reassured Phillip, although he had no idea at all if that were true or not but he felt this man was in need of help. ‘Besides, I have nephews and a niece of my own and so am accustomed to children,’ he added.

      ‘Then I accept your offer with gratitude, Master Hurst.’ This time when Simon Caldwell shook Phillip’s hand, it was with enthusiasm.

      Phillip decided there was little chance of seeing Rebecca again that evening to see if she approved of his actions and, as it was now dark, that he should make haste to Witney. ‘I would appreciate it if you could inform Becky that I will call for her and the children shortly after dawn. I need to make an early start.’

      Simon Caldwell thanked him again and escorted him to the door.

      As Phillip left the house, he pondered how Rebecca would accept the news that he would be escorting her to Oxford. She might resent his interference and not wish for his company, as it was obvious that she had cared for her husband. It seemed that Giles had replaced Nicholas in her heart, although now her husband was dead, she might wish to marry again. When his brother eventually arrived home, it would be best if he took a wife and settled down. Phillip frowned, remembering how he and Nicholas had discussed women, love and marriage whilst in their cups on the Greek isle of Rhodes. In truth, they had wagered two gold pieces on which of them would marry the first—the remaining one being the victor. Worryingly, it was some time since there had been news of Nicholas and he could only pray that he was safe.

      Phillip was halfway to Witney when he remembered he had left his costume stuffed behind the tub beside the front door. Hopefully it would not rain during the night. Maybe Becky would notice it and take it in? Becky! He was glad he would be seeing her on the morrow. What would they talk about on the journey? What would she think of Master Caldwell’s mention of having seen her father’s ghost? Somehow he could not imagine her dismissing it lightly, but it was not for him to discuss the matter with her. Even though both of them, no doubt, preferred him to remain buried in the past.

       Chapter Two

      Rebecca had spent a restless night and woke from a dream in which she was wiping the paint from Pip Hurst’s almost-perfect features amongst other things. The intimacy of the vision unsettled her and she wondered why the Almighty had decided that now was the time for their paths to cross again. Whilst married to Giles she had prayed that she would forget Pip and had managed, most of the time, to put him out of her mind. Then she had seen him at Greenwich Palace and the desire she had felt for him had been reignited and he had figured prominently in her thoughts after that. She felt hot and bothered thinking about those times. Now here he was, but still as unattainable. Despite his flattering words, he’d made it plain there was no room for a wife in his life. It also appeared that he believed that she had been in love with his brother, Nicholas, until Giles had come along. Obviously, he did not suspect that it was Pip, himself, that she had lusted after. It was true that she admired the older Hurst brother, who had kept a journal of his travels in the Americas. How excited she had felt when she had held a copy and read the words for herself! Pip and her friend, Lady Beth Raventon, who had inherited her father’s printing-and-stationery business in London, had shared the preparation of getting the journal into print as a birthday gift for Nicholas six years ago.

      The book had sold well and, after Rebecca had blurted out how much she wished she could read the book for herself, Beth had taught her to read and write. It had proved a task that had given them both great pleasure. But however much she had enjoyed the book, Rebecca had never considered Nicholas Hurst, explorer and merchant, as a possible husband for herself. After Beth had married her guardian, Sir Gawain Raventon, Nicholas had sailed away and disappeared from Rebecca’s life.

      A sigh escaped her and she turned over in bed. It was at times like these that she had missed Giles during those first weeks after he had died. A child would have been such a comfort. Fortunately her desire for children had been partially satisfied in helping to care for her young nephew and his half-sisters. But now Phillip had re-entered her life, she could not deny that he affected her still in a way no other man had ever done. Yet would she ever see him again? By the time she had left James sleeping, Simon had gone