Page 17 of Rival to Resist
“I do not. Has he been pestering you?”
Caroline thought of their encounter on the lane to Mrs. Penrose’s cottage. She suspected it had not been happenstance.
“No,” she replied. “Though, as promised, he persists in his desire to be elected.”
Oswald laughed. “He shall find that rather difficult.”
“I would rather sayimpossible.”
Oswald gave a sound of agreement. “So, he has not brought you more gifts? If he intends to forever be calling at Trevenna, I shall have a talk with him.”
Caroline couldn’t hide a smile. She rather wished she could witness such a conversation. Something told her it would not go as Oswald anticipated.
“He has not returned to Trevenna,” she said. “I met him while riding.”
“Oh,” Oswald said, slightly bemused.
“I understand you had a fence installed near Eliza Penrose’s cottage.”
“Ah, yes. I have been meaning to do so for some time, but the impending reopening of Wheal Fortune gave me the nudge I needed. We shall be using the stream for sluicing.”
Caroline faced him. “I wondered if perhaps you had forgotten about Eliza. She uses the stream for laundering andto grow the vegetables she sells at the market. With the fence, she is in a difficult situation, for she must walk quite far to reach the most accessible part of the stream.”
Oswald frowned.
“As you know,” Caroline added, “she is already struggling enough as things stand. Though, I hope she shall be in a better situation soon.”
Oswald’s frown shifted to curiosity. “Has her son found work?”
Eliza’s son was but thirteen and had left to find an apprenticeship in Plymouth with the hope that he could ease the financial burden on his mother.
“I fear not,” Caroline said. “I was speaking of the position of schoolmistress I intend to offer her.” She watched Oswald, for this was not the first time they had spoken on the topic.
“Ah, yes, that would certainly improve her situation.”
“Indeed, and for that reason and others, I hope to move things forward as quickly as possible, but even then, it will be some time before it would be ready to house her. Until then, she must rely upon the garden and laundry. A gate allowing her access is integral.”
He nodded. “I shall have one put in.”
Caroline smiled with genuine gratitude. “Thank you, Oswald. I knew I could rely upon you.”
“Always, my lady.” The warmth in his regard was unmistakable.
“How soon do you think work can be begun on the schoolhouse?”
“Hm. The boundary agreement must be drawn up first. I shall write to my agent.”
“Thank you.” She turned back to the flowers. “I trust it shall not be long before the writ for the by-election is issued.”
“We share that hope,” he said. “I wonder if, particularlygiven Mr. Yorke’s arrival, it would be wise to do something to mark my candidacy.”
Caroline snipped a bloom. “What sort of thing?”
He lifted his shoulders. “A gathering, I suppose. Once the official writ is received, we could invite people from the surrounding boroughs. The more connections I have, the better for Trelowen, after all. I imagine many of them would be glad to hear of the planned reopening of Fortune.”
“And the schoolhouse,” Caroline agreed. “Lanrowen has been without one for some time. I thought perhaps there might be two or three children from there who could attend as often as they are able.”
“A good thought,” Oswald said. “As far as the gathering, naturally, I do not wish to offer up something that is not mine, but I do think it would send the strongest message if such a gathering were to be held here at Trevenna. It would be a simple way to signify your support and our unity where Trelowen is concerned.”
