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Turner's Rage: List of Characters

Chapter 6

In the faint candlelight, William woke early and noticed Thomas dressing for work. Simeon was sleeping in the next bed, softly breathing, and appeared normal. Anne lay fast asleep across the end of his bed. She was fully clothed and held a washing cloth in her limp left hand. Her golden hair lay draped across her face, and she breathed slowly in a deep sleep.

William thought, ‘She must have been here all night looking after Simeon! If I broke my arm, I wonder if she would do that for me.’

Thomas noticed William’s eyes were open and darting around. He approached the bed and quietly but firmly told him, “Stay in bed, William and keep watch on Simeon. Anne and I watched him all night; it was a bad night for him! He needs rest. I will lift Anne onto my bed. If Simeon wakes, go down and fetch Mrs Jennings; she knows what he needs. Dr Stephens will be here around eight o’clock.”

William whispered, “What time is it?”

“About three-thirty. Because of your little adventure yesterday, I am late! Father will not be pleased when he returns. You will need a good excuse!” 

William shivered at the thought of another beating despite the new friends he had made from the hunting party and Reverend Taggart sending them home from school early. Father would be furious when he found that they had explored the forest. Someone would receive a belting, and as Simeon was injured, William expected the worst. 

Thomas gently shifted Anne onto his bed and covered her with a sheet and blanket. She groaned and moved around a bit, settling in the comfort of the bed and was soon in a deep slumber. Now fully dressed and ready for work, Thomas tiptoed across the room but turned to check on William. He signalled by waving his finger and whispered, “Shush……… Will!”. Then he was gone. 

William quietly watched the candle flame flicker in the early morning darkness. It danced around, casting moving shadows on the walls. Strange that Thomas did not snuff the candle before he went! Father always told them, ‘Put out all the candles before bedtime, please!’ William quietly got up and snuffed out the candle. Hopping under the covers, he gazed through the window and saw some stars appear in a gap in the clouds. The boy imagined Robert South sleeping at the hunting party’s camp in the forest above the township. He wished he could be with them. William was entranced by the thought of racing his mount through the woods and chasing down the deer. What excitement – all those friends with their magnificent coloured tunics and the different weapons. He hoped Robert would return one day and tell him more stories of the forest.

William’s eyelids drooped and slowly closed. Suddenly, he was on a quest with Robert in the forest, but this time, William was in the lead, riding a stallion who boomed through the thicket, keeping him well above the brush. The stag was just ahead, ducking and weaving and seemed almost flying as he jumped one way and the other. Robert shouted, “Will, take your shot before he darts away!” But the deer had other intentions. It thundered far ahead, then stopped facing William. Its eyes focused directly on him with a look so terrifying that William reigned in his mount and stopped. The stag grew enormous in front of him, and the intensity of its eyes penetrated William’s mind. It was as if the deer was speaking. 

“How dare you invade my forest, my home. You have killed my brother, and now I will kill you!” 

They stood and gazed at each other from fifty yards, gathering their strength as they prepared for battle. The stag’s eyes were full of fury, alerting William of the mortal danger he now faced. 

From further behind, Robert screamed at him, “Take your shot, Will! Take your shot!” It seemed as if Robert was further and further away. The battle would be between William and the stag.

The deer charged at William. He desperately tried threading the arrow but fumbled. He tried repeatedly, but the string would not fit the arrow nock. The deer was now on him. His stallion jumped in terror, throwing him off into the long, soft grass. The stag towered over him – so close he felt its hot breath on his face. Will gritted his teeth as the stag’s antlers slashed down.

William sat up, waking in a sweat. Taking a great breath of relief, he realised it was a dream. It seemed so real, but he was safe in his bed. His tense little body relaxed and becoming calm, William lay back down.

“Did you know you whimper when you’re dreaming?” came a sorrowful voice from the next bed.

A dull morning glow was entering through the window. 

“Sim – are you feeling better?”

“It still hurts a lot, but I think I am.”

“Thomas said you need sleep. The Doctor will be here at around eight o’clock. So, you should keep resting now. Is there anything you want?” There was no response.

Saying it louder, he repeated, “Sim, is there anything you want?”

No answer came. William sat up and peered across at Sim in the faint light. He was fast asleep again.

The King’s Hunting Forest above Guildford …

Not five miles from Guildford, Robert South awoke at the hunting party’s camp and heard the men making breakfast outside. He was hungry and wanted food before the last day of the hunt. This morning was their last opportunity before returning via Sandhurst and then Portsmouth. The events of yesterday came across his mind. William, Simeon, and Anne Turner. That girl - something was special about her in many ways – different from any girl he had met before. But she was not of his class, and he must put her out of his mind. He refocused on the last day of the hunt. 

Robert threw on his tunic and britches and stretched. Sir Roger Duffield struggled with a pan of bacon and eggs over an open fire. Before setting out from Sandhurst, the steward had carefully packed the provisions. Sir Roger had drawn the short straw and was appointed cook. 

“Roger, do you need a hand? Smells good!” 

“Give me a minute; you will have some fried eggs and bacon once I find the room on this small skillet, Sire!”

“Good, good! If you were born a pauper, Roger, you could have become a great cook.”

“Next time, Sire. You might consider bringing a cook!”

“Where is your sense of adventure, Roger? Hunting parties do not take cooks. Consider this as in-service training!”

Sir Roger smiled as he fiddled with the frying pan, “Sire, I hope you enjoy your eggs. I will enjoy the mess at Sandhurst tonight with a well-cooked meal prepared by a real cook and served on a warm china plate!”

“Probably Horace is thinking the same. More than you, Roger, Eh!”

The men were stirring, and Sir Roger passed over a plate with some fried eggs and a tiny strip of bacon. Robert took the plate and sat on a log outside his tent.

“Yum!” he said as he started eating. 

Neville came over and sat beside him. 

“Robert, about yesterday, I am still concerned about that boy in Guildford. That was a nasty break, and I am not sure old Doctor Stephens is up to date in treating breaks. He is a country doctor, and I have more recent experience at sea. I’m not sure he understood the need for complete arm immobilisation.”

Robert sat back and scratched the back of his head. “Are you saying we should check on the boy again today, Neville?” 

“Yes. I would not normally request this, but something else bothers me!”

Robert knew that Neville was a deep thinker. He was seven years older than Robert and had studied medicine at the Royal College as a sponsored navy officer. Neville was an experienced surgeon serving for several years in the Navy before Robert met him five years ago. He found that Neville never overstated a situation. If Neville was worried, there was a good reason for it.

“And what else would be bothering you, Neville?”

Lowering his voice, Neville leaned a little closer. Robert paid close attention. 

“After you went downstairs with Horace on the biscuit tasting expedition ….”

“And fine biscuits they were, Neville, we brought a sack of them back for the Manor. I think the Earl will be quite impressed.”

“Robert, while you were at the tasting downstairs, William’s mother appeared in the bedroom. The lady was sleeping when we arrived but awoke from the noise of conversation from the boy’s upstairs bedroom. It was clear that she was surprised by what she found. I think you must have been downstairs when she appeared.”

“Neville?”

“She was a handsome lady, having very fair skin and long blonde hair. Mrs Turner looked much like the daughter you met.”

“Ah, Neville. You are sweet on this woman! If she is married, you should withdraw from any romantic attraction.”

“No, nothing like that. Mrs Turner appeared in Simeon’s room only in a nightgown – as if she were startled. Doctor Stephens explained the details of Simeon’s accident and then introduced me. As I explained the treatment, I noticed quite easily, because of her fair skin, some bad bruising on the rear of her cheeks and arms. She blushed and quickly withdrew when she saw me looking at her bruising.”

Robert cut in, “So is this the sign of some bad disease or injury, Neville?”

“I conferred with Doctor Stephens, and he explained it resulted from a fall on the stairs. He requested I disregard it as the lady is most sensitive about the bruising. But Sire, bruising like that cannot come from a fall. The marks were apparent on both cheeks. Bruising from a fall usually is only on one side, not both, and is on the forepart of the cheek. It has faded but not that much, which means it was far worse a week and a half ago. She must have been beaten severely by someone.”

Robert raised his eyebrows.

“You are saying that someone has beaten William and Simeon’s mother. You think she may be in danger?”

“I am not sure, but I have seen that bruising before, and it is more common from an assault. In most cases, it is from an angry husband!”

“There are many husbands who demand from their wives what they want, Neville. Especially those who do not care for their wives!”

“Precisely.”

“Ah!”

Robert looked down and had another piece of egg. As he chewed, he turned and looked at Neville, still thinking about his friend’s suggestion. He noticed Neville seemed edgy and impatient.

“There is more, isn’t there, Neville?”

“Yes, there is.”

“You’re saying that if this husband beats his beautiful wife, he may beat William or even Simeon.”

“That’s correct.”

“Neville, we cannot interfere between a man and his wife and what they do behind closed doors. It is their business. However, I would be greatly concerned if it were my mother or your mother.”

“Robert, young Simeon and William are our friends!”

Robert now remembered Anne’s beautiful face, with her long golden hair. She was enchanting, and he found himself often thinking of her. As she was not of his social status, his family would not appreciate him meeting with a baker’s daughter, but she was an angel. There seemed an attraction between them that was unsettling but quietly pleased him. He would never wish any of her family any harm. 

Robert took a deep breath – this was the last day with his friends. They were keen on a hunt this morning before heading for Sandhurst. He was soon due back on his ship at Portsmouth. `Damn this interruption, but there would be further hunts, and who knew what they would find in Guildford!’ In the back of his mind, he knew he would enjoy seeing Anne again despite what they might find in the workings of this house.

“Neville, it appears that we might revisit Guildford this morning. This time, we shall be a bit more formal. Please tell Horace he will join us. We will rejoin the party either at lunch or dinner at Sandhurst.”

The Turner Household, Guildford …

Breakfast, lunches packed, and dressing for the day was complete. Anne talked with William and Madeline as they walked towards the church school further down High Street. She left them at the church and then hurried towards the bakery, noting the time on the Guildhall clock. Anne smiled as she saw crowds already forming along the street. Weaving her way through the crowd, she thought, ‘This will be good for business.’

William strolled into the school area as Madeline rushed off with her friends. Mrs Taggart welcomed the children as they arrived, deliberately speaking with William.

“William, I have been told by a message about Simeon’s broken arm. How is he today?”

“He told me this morning, Mrs Taggart, that he felt much better.”

“Good, now off you go and play with the others.”

Reverend Taggart was glad of some good news from his wife as he was still dealing with Richard Smith and Caleb Elliot, who were again airing their suspicions about Caleb’s accident. After explaining the outcome of his investigation, the boys still insisted on suggesting otherwise. Ensuring a quick settlement of the matter, he counselled the boys that continuing their objections would result in discussions with their parents about their previous indiscretions. As he detailed some, the boys eagerly accepted his explanation of events. Reverend Taggart, from experience, made sure he held something up his sleeve on each child just in case bargaining was required. 

Considering his strategy, Reverend Taggart thought recruiting the services of Jonathan Turner might be in his interest, ensuring this went no further. He trusted the Chairman of the Parish Council and would speak with Jonathan at next Monday night’s council meeting. Usually, they spent fifteen minutes together after each session, going through the outcomes of the agenda items. One more agenda item would not hurt.

Before he met with Jonathan Turner, he would need to prepare carefully. For this, some inside information would assist. Perhaps he and Mrs Taggart would call on Mrs Turner and inquire about her recovery before Jonathan returned from London. 

Soon after nine in the morning, there was a knock on the door of the Turner household, which Mrs Jennings answered. She found two of the gentlemen who visited yesterday standing there. 

“Good morning, Mrs Jennings,” said Robert. “We enquire on Simeon’s recovery! Might we meet with Mrs Turner if it is convenient?”

“Why, Sir, excuse me, I mean Sire. She was not expecting anyone today, but please come in, and I will advise her you are here.”

When Eleanora Turner heard who was waiting for her downstairs, she knew she must dress carefully before receiving her guests. While they waited, she arranged with Mrs Jennings some tea and cake for the gentlemen. Then, she began work on her camouflage.

In the meantime, Horace tied up the horses at the back of the house and quietly visited Mrs Jennings in the kitchen. He sat at the kitchen table with a smile, crunching biscuits and drinking tea. 

Robert and Neville were being entertained by Clementine and Marcia when Mrs Turner entered. 

“Gentlemen, I am honoured by your visit. I hope Clementine and Marcia have been on their best behaviour. Please, for what reason do I owe this pleasure?”

Robert could immediately see that Mrs Turner cleverly covered the areas of bruising with heavy makeup and a scarf. Given the day’s warmth, the scarf did look a little out of place. Neville was correct. She was a beautiful woman with all the graces of the upper class. Robert quickly provided an answer. 

“Mrs Turner, unfortunately, I missed meeting you yesterday as I was downstairs. I understand you have not been well, so I did not press the matter, but I thought I should remedy this and make our introduction today. I am Sir Robert South, son of the Earl of Fintelton. I understand you have met my physician, Dr Neville Bassington. Neville has served in the Navy with me for years and gained much battle experience. He is quite an expert in broken bones, and I would trust him with my life.”

Eleanora Turner immediately realised that this young man was from one of the leading families in the land. He was probably doing himself a disservice by visiting their home. She was impressed that they had returned. 

“Sir Robert, we are greatly honoured by your acquaintance and you too, Doctor Bassington. I am a little overwhelmed that you take such an interest in our boys.”

“Please, Mrs Turner – we are introduced, and I insist you call us by our first names; otherwise, we would be uncomfortable. “

“Very well, gentlemen!”

“Mrs Turner, we intend to monitor Simeon’s recovery and ensure Doctor Stephens employed Neville’s instructions.”

“Gentlemen, Doctor Stephens has served this family for forty years, and I’m sure he knows what is best. He called this morning, checked the boy’s bandages, and bled him, relieving the pressure.”     

Neville looked back at Eleanora Turner in horror. “He bled him when he lost so much blood yesterday? Ma’am, may I see the boy? I have some medical supplies with me and will explain upstairs if I may?” Neville was quite concerned and did not hide this.

Eleanora Turner looked at the gentlemen – their concern was slightly alarming. At the time, she did wonder why the Doctor bled the boy, given his injuries. Eleanora had dismissed her doubts, trusting the Doctor’s judgement and assuming it was a standard medical precaution. Now she became worried. 

“Certainly, Doctor Bassington. I mean Neville.”

Neville smiled, “Please, Mrs Turner, feel at ease using my Christian name. Given what Simeon and I went through yesterday, I think a first-name basis is best.”

Robert added, “Please call me Robert, Mrs Turner.” 

“Gentlemen, you take me by surprise with your generosity. I will comply with your request, but certainly, in public, I must call you by your titles. Please call me Eleanora.”

Arriving at Simeon’s bed, Neville found the boy fast asleep with a slight fever. Since yesterday, the bandages were unchanged, and he checked the incisions where Doctor Stephens bled him. Of more concern were the loose bandages and splints incorrectly fastened.

Robert realised that Neville’s concerns were correct again. Perhaps Doctor Stephens was getting on and missing things. Maybe his eyesight was failing, or he was overworked. Robert felt unqualified for criticism as he was not a medical man, but the look of concern on Neville’s face was unmistakable. 

“Mrs Turner, Simeon has a slight fever. That is normal, but keeping him calm for the next few days is essential. He will require care; regularly wiping his brow with cold water will help. Also, the bandages need changing, and the arm must be firmly dressed around the splints so the forearm cannot move for at least six weeks or more. I have brought new bandages, but I will require some assistance. Perhaps Mrs Jennings could help?

Forgive me for suggesting this; I have learned from Doctor Stephens that you are recovering from a fall and not at full strength yet. Perhaps Anne would look after the boy for the next few days until the fever passes. Where might we find her?”

Eleanora was now alarmed. She always regarded Doctor Jeremy Stephens as competent, but perhaps he did miss something. Eleanora became dizzy and suddenly sat on the end of William’s bed. Her scarf fell off, and she pulled her long blonde hair behind her neck out of habit. Robert immediately saw the bruises on her cheeks. He looked away.

“She is at the bakery. I will send for her.”

Robert could see that Mrs Turner was now unsteady. Neville would certainly require Mrs Jennings’s assistance. It would be better if he found Anne and brought her home quickly.

“Let me fetch her, Mrs Turner! Where is the bakery?” 

Neville noticed that as Eleanora looked up, there was a puzzled look on her face. He realised this woman was near collapse. The situation was becoming complicated. From the doorway, he called for Mrs Jennings. 

Eleanora whimpered, “At the end of the High Street near the wharf.”

“Sire, if you would please. I think Mrs Turner may also require assistance soon.”

Robert jumped into action. 

Neville was becoming concerned for Eleanora Turner. He noticed how she was quickly losing her strength and sat crouched over. He knelt beside her and asked, “Eleanora, are you well?” 

“I think you can see I am struggling, Neville. I need more rest – much more rest. I am so tired.”

“Eleanora. Are you with child?”

She looked up at him in alarm. All she saw was a kind, understanding face.

“How did you know, Neville?”

“I am a doctor, Eleanora - a doctor with much experience. I agree with you about your needing more rest. Mrs Jennings will assist you downstairs. Do not be alarmed; Simeon will have the best care, and Clementine may assist me until Anne arrives. I will visit you once I have finished here with Simeon.”

Robert rushed down the stairs, passing Mrs Jennings on the way up. He flew out the back door and nearly collided with Horace. “Ride with me, Sir Horace. Make haste!”

They mounted horses and cantered down the High Street towards the River Wey. 

“We are looking for the Turner bakery. It is near the river and the wharf at the end of the High Street.”

They found the building quickly with a Turner’s Bakery sign above the entrance. It was far more extensive than Robert expected. A building site appeared nearby where a warehouse and mill were under construction. 

“Horace, find the hunting party and tell them we will join them when possible. If we are not back by lunch, they should head off for Sandhurst. Ask them if they would pack our kits, and we will join them tonight. Once done, I would value your presence here again.”

“Keep safe, Squire. I don’t like leaving you here alone. I shall return soon!”

Robert watched as Horace turned his horse and cantered towards Portsmouth Road. He dismounted and secured his mount. Walking into the bakery, he found a hive of activity with men and women in aprons and smocks hard at work. It appeared baking was in high demand. 

A young man approached him. “May I be of help, Sir?”

“Yes, of course. I am Sir Robert South from Fintelton Manor. I have come from the Turner home and must find Miss Anne Turner as quickly as possible.”

Jeb took a good look at the visitor, who, from his dress standards, was from the upper class. Despite his attire and manners backing his introduction, Jeb was still suspicious. 

“What is your business with Miss Anne, Sir?” 

Robert checked himself and refrained from reprimanding the man for insolence. Understanding the employee was unfamiliar with him, he swallowed his pride and remained calm. 

“Simeon is unwell and needs care, and Mrs Turner has fallen ill!”

Jeb then realised the urgency, “If you would follow me, Sir Robert.”

They moved quickly through the rows of ovens and tables. Towards the rear of the building were offices on a platform overlooking the bakery work floor. Jeb entered a door with Robert following. Anne was sprawled over a sloping clerk’s desk, fast asleep. 

Jeb said gently, “Anne, Sir Robert is here for you!”

Anne slowly lifted her head. Rubbing her eyes, she rubbed some dribble from her mouth as she looked up. Pulling the long hair away from her face, she saw a smiling Robert standing directly in front of her desk. 

“Robert ……Robert, where did you come from? I’m sorry – I was with Simeon all night. I hardly slept at all.” 

Robert admired the girl as she regained her countenance. She just oozed beauty, manners, and intelligence. He liked her more with her ruffled hair and crinkled work clothes. She talked with such gentility; it was a pleasure being with her. 

Robert explained the situation and offered a ride on his horse, as time was of the essence. She agreed without hesitation, and they set off. Jeb watched with a frown as the couple walked away. 

“Do you always work, Anne?”

“A few hours each morning helping Father with the paperwork. I find the work challenging and am interested in accounting and business.”

“You must meet my sister, Emma – she needs occupying! I’m sure she is bored living on the estate.” Robert knew of no other employed female of his acquaintance. He liked the idea.

They found Neville and Clementine working hard on Simeon’s arm on returning. They had changed the bandages and washed the arm. Neville was now demonstrating how to starch a dressing. 

“You see, Clementine, we use starched bandages that will immobilise the arm for a long period, probably around eight weeks. These bandages must be changed and starched every week from now. There is a new procedure for applying a cast made of plaster, but I have no gypsum here. Perhaps if I can procure some at Sandhurst or Portsmouth, I will return and make a cast.”

Clementine brushed the starch onto the tight dressing around the splints, but not so firm that it affected the circulation.

“Simeon, it is essential that your arm remains still. When you feel capable of walking around, the arm must be in a sling, so you maintain this position.” Neville demonstrated this by holding his arm in the position required. “I will make a sling up for you before I leave. It is important that once your fever is gone, you get up and exercise. The movement will help you regain your strength. I will attend to your mother while you finish the starch.”

Neville stood and saw that Anne had heard everything he had said. 

“Anne, I think Clementine is quite competent with the bandages. However, Simeon has a fever and should remain in bed for two days. I will leave some potions that will help him rest. From what I hear, you will need some rest tonight, so having Simeon sleep through will be a blessing!”

“Amen, Doctor.”  

Neville followed Mrs Jennings downstairs. They found Eleanora lying on the bed facing the window. Neville knocked and entered.

Eleanora said, “You may assist Clementine now, Mrs Jennings.”

Neville sat beside the bed and opened the small case he was carrying. “Eleanora – the best thing you can do is rest. I will give you a potion that will help. When does your husband return?”

“He should be home from London on Saturday by coach. Mrs Jennings and the children are such good help! I will be well cared for till then.”

Neville commenced the examination.

“From what I observe, I think you will require more care. Mr Turner will need to employ an additional maid. My observation is that you are about two or three months with child. Your fall would not have helped, and the confinement may be very taxing. I also note that you are pale and you have little energy. At this stage of pregnancy, this is unusual.”

“You are right, Doctor. I have never felt this way before with a child. I am afraid something is wrong.”

“Time will tell, but the key, for now, is rest.” He looked at her bruising. There was more than he first thought. “Eleanora, might I ask that you sit up and then cough for me?”

She sat up slowly and coughed lightly. Neville requested a stronger cough as he felt her back. She gave a hard cough but then collapsed onto the bed. Her nightgown was loose and revealed the top of her back, where Neville saw some more bruising, probably the result of body blows. She rolled onto her back with her eyes closed in embarrassment. 

Neville sat back and waited until she opened her eyes. 

“You are short of breath – have you any chest pain?”

Eleanora turned and looked him in the eye. She knew he noticed the bruising and needed his guarantee of confidentiality. 

“No. ……. Doctor Neville?”

Neville was quite wise from many years of patient care. Before she spoke, he cut in, “Eleanora. I will talk with Mrs Jennings about some special food for you. There is a need for more iron and fresh vegetables in your diet. You also need regular exercise and fresh air, but not until you have rested and only gradually.”

She was about to answer, but he spoke again, “Eleanora, your secret is safe with me!………….. Please excuse me now as I discuss your diet with Mrs Jennings. I will leave a letter for Mr Turner, recommending the employment of an additional maid until this baby is born and probably for some time after that.”

Eleanora was alarmed that Neville was aware of her circumstances. His intuition was uncanny. But she saw the gentle face and kind smile as he withdrew. His professional curiosity was satisfied; he would not say anything untoward. She was now comfortable that she could trust him. 

“Thank you, Neville.” She whispered as he backed out through the bedroom door as if she were a queen. 

Neville made a final check on Simeon’s bandaging and then descended to the kitchen, where he would brief Mrs Jennings. Also, he decided to write separate letters to Mr Turner and Doctor Stephens advising of his diagnosis and recommended treatment for both patients. The message would mention his return in two weeks – this might act as an insurance clause delaying any more beatings. He found Robert and Anne sitting at the kitchen table, eating biscuits. 

“Before we leave, I must write letters for Mr Turner and Doctor Stephens, Sire.”

Robert nodded in agreement. He was in no hurry, given his enjoyable conversation with Anne.

“Would you like a biscuit, Neville?”

“Thank you, Sire. The biscuits are fresh, tasty, and far better than we find onboard. Perhaps we could order some before our next voyage.” 

“The thought had crossed my mind, too! Anne, is this possible? Would your father consider baking a batch of fifty dozen biscuits for provisions on our next voyage? Neville and I will pay for them.”

Anne was delighted. “Certainly, Robert. We have special airtight tins that you may want as well. It keeps the biscuits fresh.”

While Neville wrote his letters in the drawing room, Robert enjoyed this last opportunity to converse with Anne.

“I’m afraid we must leave soon as Neville and I are due back at Portsmouth by early next week.”

“It has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, Robert. Thank you for saving William and Simeon’s lives in the park. They are beautiful boys each in their way, except William can be a bit adventurous.”

Robert blushed, “It was a bit of a coincidence. Our hunting party had been stalking the stag for some time. I think we drove it towards its final position. It was a happy coincidence with a good outcome. Simeon may disagree with that!”

They both smiled.

“So, you are in the Navy. What do you do?” 

“I am a lieutenant on the frigate Providence. Neville is the ship’s surgeon. He outranks me on board the vessel in terms of seniority. We will sail for Greenwich next week to install new canons. My father intended that I would become a man by being at sea. So, I went at age twelve as a midshipman, and as you probably know, class has its connections, so now I am a lieutenant and may gain a command next year.”

Anne enquired, “If Neville is your senior, why does he call you Sire?”

“It is a class thing. It is unimportant to me, but my friends keep it up. Perhaps they think it is good manners. I am not sure, but I am not concerned about it. Neville mostly calls me Robert in private.”

“I see.” Anne wondered if she would ever see Robert again, “How long will you be away?”

“Now, that is an excellent question. It all depends on the Admiralty. Who knows – perhaps three months or maybe six? I am not sure. We will be in Greenwich for several weeks, testing the new canons. I will write and advise you.”  

“May I also write and find out how the biscuits go at sea?”

“I would like that. I receive very few letters.”

Anne thought for a moment. “I have never seen the sea. I have been told about it at school and seen paintings. But we have never ventured further than Woking or Ewell on trips with father. The biggest ship I have ever seen is a coal barge in the canal.”

“We must remedy that. When I return, I will send an invitation and show you the sea and my ship. You should bring the boys as well and perhaps your father.”

“That would create great excitement in our family, Robert. I’m unsure about father – I think he feels safer on land.”

Robert saw his opportunity, “I have not had the pleasure of meeting your father – perhaps on my next trip; this way, you could introduce me. I think Neville will return before we disembark and review Simeon’s arm. He is a very caring doctor. He is always helping people – he should have been a missionary.

The boys will not be in trouble with your father, will they? Anne, you and your mother will be safe, won’t you?”

Anne was surprised by this comment, “Yes, Father is very protective of our family. He would enjoy meeting you.”

She thought about his comment on safety. First, she was surprised that he would let slip that he cared about their safety. The question almost signalled a kind of attachment. Could it be that he cared for her? It was not until much later that Anne put other facts together and realised Robert and Neville were aware of her mother’s bruising. Delicately, he had revealed their suspicions that her father might have abused her mother. Anne shuddered. What must they think of her father? 

Jonathan Turner returned late Saturday afternoon, the coach stopping at the Fox and Hound Inn. There was much news for the family, and as far as he was concerned, it was all good news. He hired a porter for his bags and proceeded up the street towards home in good spirits. 

Once inside, he entered the drawing room, finding it empty. Climbing the stairs and entering his wife’s room, he found Eleanora asleep. Quietly sitting beside where she slept, he gently took hold of her hand, “Eleanora, I am back and with much good news!”

She opened her eyes and saw him. She opened her arms with a warm smile and hugged him, “Jonathan, how much you were missed. There is also so much news for you here. The children have made such a wonderful new acquaintance – I’m unsure where I should begin.”

Upon receiving such a welcome, Jonathan Turner felt a new feeling of belonging, something he had not experienced for some time. A broad, happy smile appeared on his face. He was home and loved.