Page 102 of A Winter By the Sea
“A mate o’ mine were there and told him, ‘Mutter is yer man. But don’t tell ’im I sent ’ee.’”
“The same Mr. Mutter who delivers fuel for our fires?” Sarah asked, confusion again muddling her thoughts.
“Aye.”
Sarah said, “He sells wood and turf, delivers it in his cart. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Wood and turf ain’t all he delivers. Contraband too. Seems the biggest houses buy a great deal of fuelandbrandy. So regular visits by Mutter’s carts rouse no suspicion.”
“Smuggled brandy? He cannot have the time to sail to France in between all his wood chopping and deliveries. Especially not in winter.”
“No, miss. There’s others do that. They land cargo in small boats and stow it in sea caves west o’ here. After dark, they haul it up the cliffs to avoid excise men. Tricky business, mind, with tides risin’ regular-like and fillin’ the caves. Takes a fellow with skill to time it right.”
Sarah raised one eyebrow. “You, Mr. Cordey?”
“In younger days, aye, I shan’t deny it.” He scrubbed a hand over his bristly face. “But the missus begged me to stop, fearin’ our lads would follow me into the trade. Ain’t worth the risk, she said. And when her died, I stopped in her memory. Better late than never.”
“Is Mr. Mutter dangerous?”
“Naw. Not unless you threaten his livelihood. But the man he works fer? I’d not cross him fer an ocean o’ Frenchie brandy.”
“Who does Mr. Mutter work for?”
“That I shan’t tell ’ee, maid’n. Fer yer own good.”
“But you know who he is?”
“Know his reputation, and that’s enough. He’s been caught many a time and always gets away. Soldiers cornered him in a public house on this very coast, and he fought ’em all off with only a knife. Best hope yer Mr. During steers clear of that fellow.”
“Yes,” Sarah whispered, and a shiver crept up her neck that had little to do with the cold. She prayed there was some other explanation for Mr. During’s odd behavior.
That night after dinner, Emily and Sarah changed into the best of their old ball gowns and helped each other with their hair. Emily’s hand felt much better, but Sarah convinced her to wear a thin bandage for support under her long gloves, just in case.
“I hope it is not obvious how out of fashion our gowns are,” Emily murmured, trying in vain to smooth down a wrinkled length of ribbon trim.
“My dear, you are so pretty, no one shall notice the dress, except how well you look in it.”
“Thank you.” Emily regarded her sister, who wore a gown of white-and-blue-striped gauze with a modest yet flatteringV-shaped neckline.
“You are the one who looks pretty tonight, Sarah. I have not seen you wear that dress in ... heavens, I can’t recall.”
“I have not worn it since Peter left. I fear it’s too young for me now. Do I look like mutton dressed as lamb?”
“Not at all. You look lovely. Truly. And I shan’t be the only one to notice.”
“Oh dear. I am not sure I want that. Though I was curious to try this on again. Honestly, I am surprised it still fits me after all the pastries I’ve been baking—and sampling.”
A short while later, they donned their mantles and joined the men in the hall to await the Parkers’ carriage. It arrived as promised, a coachman in a many-caped coat at the reins.
Charles stepped out and helped the ladies inside. “Good evening, Miss Emily. Miss Sarah.” He nodded to the other men, then entered after the sisters.
Seeing how crowded the interior was, Mr. Thomson hesitated. “Perhaps I should sit on the bench with the coachman,” he offered.
Mr. Bernardi looked at him, then through the window to Emily. “No, I should be the one to do so.” He climbed up before anyone could argue, and soon the coach was carrying them along the esplanade.
As they went, Emily found herself tongue-tied in the presence of both men. Thankfully Sarah took over the conversation, asking Charles about his sister, the new baby, and mutual friends from home.
Soon, they turned up Fore Street and came to a halt near the London Inn entrance. Mr. Thomson alighted quickly and assisted first Sarah down and then Emily, taking care not to press her hand too hard. “Does it still pain you?”
