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‘Very wise,’ the driver said grimly. ‘Check your purse, ladies. They is a lot of light-fingered peoples who run that place. Now I can show you a decent hotel where ladies are safe and no bedbugs.’
‘Thank you,’ Nancy said hastily. ‘We’ll bear that in mind.’
The sun beat down on them and Nancy could feel her clothes sticking to her body. She longed for a patch of shade and a cool drink, but there seemed to be no relief. Dust clouds blew up around them and they were plagued with sand flies. Their bites were painful and left red welts on their skin, adding to their intense discomfort. Hester was not happy, and by the time they reached the Charnley plantation she was downright miserable. However, when she viewed the elegant white stucco frontage of the plantation house she brightened considerably. Surrounded by exotic palms, jacaranda and mango trees, with bougainvillaea clambering over its walls, the house looked cool and welcoming amidst the dust and heat.
‘I’ll wait here then?’ The driver took a pipe from his pocket and sucked on it. ‘They’re an uppity lot, these plantation owners. I’m warning you, ladies.’
‘Thank you,’ Nancy said politely. ‘We’ll leave our luggage here, but there’s no need to wait.’ She thrust some coins in his outstretched hand and heaved her case out of the cart. Hester followed suit and they walked slowly up the wide flight of steps to the arched veranda.
The door was opened by a black male servant who ushered them inside.
‘We are looking for Captain Blanchard and Mr Wilder,’ Nancy explained hurriedly. ‘Are they staying here?’
‘If you would kindly wait, I’ll see if they are at home, miss.’ The butler bowed and walked away, leaving them to gaze in awe at the splendid entrance hall in the colonial style. The white walls reflected the sunlight slanting through louvered doors and shutters, and lush green house plants created a touch of the exotic outdoors.
Nancy was busy admiring her surroundings when the butler returned and asked them to follow him.
The drawing room was equally bright and furnished with comfortable but elegant rattan sofas and easy chairs. A middle-aged gentleman wearing a cream linen suit with a matching waistcoat over a white shirt rose from his seat to greet them.
‘Welcome to Charnley, ladies. Rudolph Charnley at your service. How may I help you?’
Hester acknowledged him with a nod. ‘Lady Hester Carey of Rockwood Castle, and this is my ward, Nancy Sunday. I believe you have Captain Blanchard and Mr Wilder staying with you.’
Nancy said nothing. She did not challenge Hester’s description of her as her ward. After all, their relationship was difficult to categorise. She watched Mr Charnley closely and she could tell by his expression that he had weighed Hester up and had her measure. If he was unimpressed by her title he was gentleman enough to conceal his feelings.
‘How do you do, my lady? In answer to your question, they are both here. My son Rupert is showing them round the plantation as we speak.’
‘We need to speak to them quite urgently, sir.’
‘Nothing happens fast here at Charnley, my lady. Please be seated.’ Mr Charnley tugged at a bell pull by the mantelshelf. ‘I’ll send for refreshments. I take it you have arrived on the island recently.’
‘We came on the Bonaventure,’ Nancy said quickly. ‘We hope to return to England when she sets sail again.’
A servant entered the room and stood waiting for his master to speak.
‘Bring refreshments for the ladies, James.’ Mr Charnley turned to Hester and Nancy. ‘Would you like iced lemonade or tea?’
‘Tea for both of us, please,’ Hester said firmly. She shot a sideways glance at Nancy. ‘The water has been boiled,’ she added in a whisper. ‘You can’t be too careful abroad.’
‘Tea it is, then, James. And send a boy to find Mr Rupert and our guests. Tell them we have important visitors.’
James nodded and left the room as quietly as he had entered.
Mr Charnley turned to Hester with a smile. ‘I can assure you that we purify our water, my lady. By the way, where are you staying while you are on the island?’
Hester opened her mouth to speak but Nancy answered first. ‘We spent one night in a hotel on the waterfront, Mr Charnley. It was less than comfortable. Perhaps you could recommend somewhere more suitable.’
‘You must stay here, of course. I cannot allow two ladies to expose themselves to the discomforts you might face otherwise. I know a little of the reason for your making such a long voyage. Captain Blanchard confided in me and I understand the situation.’
‘That’s very kind of you, sir,’ Hester said hastily. ‘We are much obliged to you. Our luggage is on the veranda.’
Nancy felt a blush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks and she looked away. She sensed that Mr Charnley was silently mocking Hester. It was as if he knew that she had worked had to earn her right to the title and he was looking down on her. Difficult and prickly Hester might be, but she deserved respect as much as anyone, and probably more than some, including Mr Charnley. Nancy decided that she did not like him. For all his smooth and courteous manners, she suspected that he thought himself to be much more important than he really was.
It was a relief when James returned with a tray laden with freshly made lemonade, a pot of tea and a plate of small cakes.
‘The ladies’ luggage is on the veranda,’ Mr Charnley said firmly. ‘Have it taken to the Wedgewood suite, James. Lady Carey and Miss Sunday will be staying for a few days.’
‘Yes, sir.’ James backed out of the room, closing the door behind him.
