‘No. I don’t want to sell fancy gowns to rich women. I’d be no good at it.’
‘What, then?’
‘I want to have a shop on the other side of the river, near the mills, in one of the streets built by your father. The people there are always complaining that they have to walk a long way to the town shops.’
Joe nodded. ‘I remember, in the Netherlands, you always used to have little things the soldiers wanted to buy: pencils, tobacco, peppermint drops, needles and thread to sew their torn clothes.’
‘Having a shop is a matter of knowing what people need and putting those things on the shelves.’
‘And how do you know what they need?’
‘You ask them.’
‘Very logical.’ Joe nodded. ‘How should we proceed?’
‘Well, if your grandfather agrees, he’ll give me one of the houses, on a corner. I’ll use the downstairs as the shop and live upstairs. In time I may do some alterations to the place, if I make enough profit; but at first all I need is some stock, and I’ve got enough money to make a start.’
‘All right. I’ll ask him. I think he’ll say yes.’
‘Thank you,’ she said.
He shook her hand. ‘I’m glad to know you, Mrs Box.’
*
Shortly before Christmas, during the interval at the theatre, Jane took Amos aside and spoke to him in serious tones. ‘I really don’t like the way you’re treating Elsie,’ she said.
Amos was astonished. ‘What on earth do you mean? I’m not ill-treating her.’
‘Everyone thinks you’re going to marry her, but you don’t propose!’
‘Why do people think I’m going to marry her?’
‘For heaven’s sake, Amos! You see her nearly every day. At the Assize Ball you danced with her all evening. Neither of you shows the least interest in anyone else. Elsie is forty-three, attractive and single, and she has five children who need a stepfather. Of course people think you’re going to marry her – it’s the only thing that makes sense! They just can’t understand why you still haven’t asked her.’
‘It’s none of their business.’
‘But it is. There must be half a dozen men who’d propose if they thought they stood a chance. You’re ruining her prospects. It’s not fair! You’ve got to either marry her or get out of the way.’
An usher rang a handbell, and they returned to their seats. Amos looked at the stage but did not see the play, he was so absorbed in his thoughts. Was Jane right? Probably, he decided. She would not make up something like this – there was no reason to.
He would have to cool his friendship with Elsie and let it be known that they were not romantically involved. But when he thought of that he felt sad. Life without her seemed a dismal prospect.
And his feelings had changed since the duchess of Richmond’s ball. He always told himself that he wanted only to be Elsie’s friend, but the truth was that he was no longer content with that. Another feeling was surging up inside him, something to do with how warm and soft her body under the silk dress had felt when he touched her in the waltz. He felt a bit like a volcano that seems extinct, but hasboiling lava hidden in its depths. Deep down he wanted to be more than her friend.
This was a big change. But he had no doubt about it. He loved her. Why had it taken him so long to realize it? I’ve never been very smart about such things, he thought.
He began to think about how life would be if they were married. He felt so eager about it that he wanted to marry her tomorrow.
But there was a problem. Amos was the father of an illegitimate child. Did Elsie know or guess that? And if so, how did she feel about it? Her brother Abe was illegitimate, and she was always kind and loving to him. On the other hand, she was the daughter of a bishop. Would she marry an adulterer?
He did not know. But he could ask her.
*
Spade was surprised to be visited by Joe Hornbeam. He was intrigued, too. The lad had gained a good reputation with the men of the 107th Foot – which was unexpected, as everyone said, given who his grandfather was.
Joe shook his hand and said: ‘I’m glad your brother-in-law Freddie survived Waterloo.’
