Mistress of Mellin Cove: Mellin Cove Series, #2

By Rena George

It's the middle of the 18th century, when smuggling is rife in Cornwall and cargo ships crossing the English Channel are prey to attacks from pirates. The Lady Emma, on passage to France, meets a different fate…

High on the cliffs above Mellin Cove, Kit St Neot reins in his black stallion and peers out into the storm. He gasps when he sees the tall-masted ship, helpless against the relentless fury of the waves, being hurled to the rocks.
With adrenaline pumping, he gallops to the beach and throws himself from his horse. Plunging into the surf, he strikes out for the small, limp body he can see being tossed by the breakers. In one desperate bid he plucks the creature from the sea and struggles ashore.
But back at Mellin Hall Kit is in for a surprise when he leaves the half-dead victim of the storm in the care of his housekeeper, Jesemy. For the person he rescued from the sea is not the cabin boy he thought, but a lovely young woman - and she has no recollection of who she is.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rena George
• Release date: May 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393033295

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

High on the cliffs above Mellin Cove, Kit St Neot reins in his black stallion and peers out into the storm. He gasps when he sees the tall-masted ship, helpless against the relentless fury of the waves, being hurled to the rocks.

Adrenaline courses through his body as he gallops to the beach and throws himself from his horse. Plunging into the surf, he strikes out for the small, limp body he can see being tossed by the breakers. In one desperate bid he plucks the creature from the sea and struggles ashore.

Back at Mellin Hall, Kit is in for a surprise when he leaves the half-drowned victim in the care of his housekeeper, Jesemy. For the person he rescued is not a cabin boy, but a lovely young woman, who has no recollection of who she is.

CHAPTER 1

Kit had been keeping his eye on the approaching storm for the past hour, eager to get back to Mellin Hall before it broke. His brother, Nathan, had tried to persuade him to stay another night at Penmere, but Kit’s thoughts were on the new ship being built in his yard. If the weather turned as foul as he feared, he needed to be there to protect it.

The wind was already whipping the sea into a frenzy, sending the waves thundering against the rocks at the foot of the cliff track. Ahead, he could just make out the rocking masts of the fishing luggers down in the harbour.

His brother-in-law, Jem’s, two boats – the Sally P, and the Bright Star – were tied up with the rest of the fleet, but despite the shelter of the cliffs they were taking a pounding.

He stopped, reining his black stallion to a skidding halt, and peered into the flying spume. Was that a ship trying to ride out the storm? He could have imagined it. In these conditions, it was difficult to tell. He sat rigid in the saddle, trying to focus his stare on the spot where he thought he’d seen the ship. He could have been wrong, but no, there it was again No mistaking it this time.

The three-masted schooner was being lashed by the gale, one minute riding the waves, and the next disappearing into the troughs. And every second was driving it closer to the rocks!

Kit cursed, keeping his eye on the pitching vessel. What the devil was her Master doing bringing his ship so close to shore? Didn’t he know the treacherous Cornish coast?

A small crowd was gathering at the top of the cliffs, following the ship’s progress. They were strangers to Kit, but no doubt they were biding their time, waiting for the moment when the ship hit the rocks. There would be rich pickings this day. Kit wheeled his horse around, galloping down the muddy path towards the cove. If the ship ended up at the bottom of the cliffs, there would be no chance of reaching any survivors, not in these conditions. The only hope for those on board would be if the vessel was driven towards the cove.

The deafening crack of the masts splitting as the ship struck the harbour wall momentarily spooked his horse, and it slithered to the edge of the path before regaining its footing.

The ship had smashed apart on impact. Suddenly the sea was full of debris, masts, and sails… and bodies!

Mellin Cove was in turmoil as people ran from their cottages down to the beach. Other groups gathered by the water’s edge, unsure what to do.

Kit’s horse slewed to a halt on the quay, and he vaulted down onto the cobbles. Stripping off his heavy doublet, he ran to the shore and launched himself into the churning foam.

Others followed his lead, striking out for the wreckage of the ship. Soon the beach was full of people plunging into the sea, every man trying to save what lives he could. Kit kept his sights focused on the bodies in the water, sailors desperately fighting for survival as the determined rescuers battled in vain to save them. On the periphery of the chaos, he was aware of others on the beach, shadowy individuals, disturbingly familiar, who had no thought of saving lives. Like the strangers on the cliff, they would have a different agenda. There would be plenty of plunder for the wreckers today. Then he spotted it – a small body being tossed by the waves like a lifeless doll. Was it a child? He wasn’t sure. There was no time to wonder. He fixed his eye on the limp shape and swam out to it. Struggling to keep the victim’s head above water, he turned and made for the shore.

He could see his groom, Tomas, on the beach, cupping his hands to his mouth, trying to yell above the noise of the surf, but his words were being snatched away by the wind as soon as he shouted them. But still he hollered.

Is he dead, sir? Is the boy dead?

He was splashing into the foam now, fighting his way towards Kit, but the strength of the waves was forcing him back. Tomas looked round wildly, desperate to find help, but the crowds scavenging at the edge of the waves were too intent on grabbing what they could from the wreckage.

Kit’s legs felt like leaden weights, almost too heavy to move. He glanced to the limp body in his arms. His heart pounded against his ribs as he concentrated all his energy on reaching the shore. He had to keep swimming.

Then he saw Jem racing across the shingle, a rope slung over his shoulder. He had lashed one end to the wooden jetty and was swimming towards them. In seconds, he was by his brother-in-law’s side, tossing the rope at him.

Grab that, Kit. I’ll take the child.

No, Kit yelled back into the storm. I don’t want him slipping away. I have a firm hold.

Jem whipped the rope around the three of them, using all his strength to keep it taut as they struggled, waist deep, through the angry surge.

And then Tomas was splashing towards them.

I brought the horse and wagon down, he yelled, his eyes on the limp body in Kit’s arms. The little lad don’t look good, do ee, sir?

Kit’s expression was grim. Let’s just get everybody out of here.

Ahead, he could see a group of women gathered on the quay, shawls gripped tightly around them. He saw Jem stiffen.

What’s Hedra doing down here? Jem muttered crossly. I told her to stay indoors.

Despite his exhaustion, and his fears for the slender, still body in his arms, Kit smiled.

My sister’s never been one for doing what she’s told. You should know that, Jem.

Aye, Jem’s mouth twisted into a grin. Nigh on two years married, and I’m still not Master in my own home.

Nor ever will be, if I know our Hedra, Kit returned.

The water level had dropped to the men’s ankles and they moved more easily through the waves. As they stepped ashore, Hedra hurried forward, reaching out to touch the half-drowned victim’s face.

Poor little thing. She stroked the wet cheek. How many others got to safety?

Kit shook his head and looked at Jem.

Surely this can’t be the only survivor? Her green eyes widened with horror.

As far as I know, the ship’s Master managed to get ashore, and I think a couple of his crew, but as for the rest… Jem’s words trailed off.

We’ll come up to the Hall with you, Kit, Hedra said, to make sure this one at least gets half a chance.

Jem stared at his wife.

Have you forgotten about the child you’re carrying? There’s only one place you’re going, young lady, and that’s home.

Do as Jem says, Hedra. I will manage just fine with Tomas and Jesemy to help me.

They lifted the lifeless body into the back of the wagon, and Tomas tucked a blanket around it.

I’ll let you know how this one gets on, Kit called back to them as he sprinted up into the driving seat and began to move off. Will you bring my horse, Tomas?

He didn’t wait for an answer as the wagon took off at speed up the winding hill to Mellin Hall.

Tomas’s wife, Jesemy, was waiting in the yard when the wagon rumbled in. Kit swung it round to the servants’ kitchen entrance before skidding it to a halt. He threw himself down and clambered onto the back, and then gently lifted the figure out.

I thought I saw the eyelids flutter for a minute, Jesemy said. Be quick, sir. Bring the poor creature through here. She hurried ahead into the kitchen where a fire leapt and sparked in the vast black cooking range, and swept a hand over the table, scattering bowls and cooking utensils to the far corners. Here, she said. Just here will be fine.

Kit did as he was told and stood back, gazing at the small, ashen face of the figure on the table. He frowned. He has very long hair for a boy.

Jesemy made a shooing away gesture with her hand.

That’s because this boy is a girl, sir. And you’re getting in my way, if you don’t mind me saying.

Kit’s eyes narrowed. A girl? What was a girl doing on board a cargo ship? And why was she wearing a lad’s leather waistcoat and breeches?

Dewi heard the voices through a haze. She had no idea where she was and wondered for a moment if she might actually be dead. Was this what heaven was like? Or maybe it could be… oh, glory, was that it? Was she in that other place? She turned her head towards the black kitchen range and felt the heat of the fire on her face. Through the fog of her mind, she imagined the flames leaping out to engulf her. Her eyelashes fluttered and closed, and the darkness settled around her again.

Off and on, the woman’s voice floated to Dewi through a swirling mist of semi-consciousness.

Ah, so you’ve decided to wake up, the voice said.

Was she awake? It felt like a dream. Her eyelids were so heavy that she hardly had the strength to keep them open. Shadowy figures moved about on the periphery of her awareness. They were too frightening to even think about. Slowly, she drifted back into the darkness.

She was vaguely aware of being carried up a flight of stairs, and then softness as though her body rested on feathers. More voices floated around her, none of them solid enough for her to make sense of – and then they were gone!

CHAPTER 2

Dewi lay for a long time in hushed comfort before she opened her eyes. She was neither in heaven nor in hell, but in a room, a large room, with ruby coloured drapes and soft rugs on the stone-flagged floor. A fire flickered in the hearth, casting a friendly glow about the place. She tried to sit up, but she couldn’t. Her head pounded, and she lowered it back down onto the white pillow.

Where she could be? It wasn’t anywhere she knew. But then, what did she know? The pain in her head still throbbed, and her eyelids felt so heavy…

She had no idea when she fell asleep, but when her lids fluttered open again, there was a man sitting by her bed, his long legs encased in black breeches and black leather riding boots. He wore a brown velvet doublet, and a creamy white shirt with wide sleeves, gathered at the wrist. His black hair was drawn back and tied with a narrow black ribbon, and his elbow rested on the arm of his chair. His head was bent over a book.

Dewi frowned. The man didn’t look threatening. But who was he? And what was he doing in what must surely be her bedchamber? She must have shifted position, for he looked up and his green eyes crinkled into a smile.

Ah, you’ve come back to us, he said. It was a nice voice, a warm, refined Cornish voice. We were beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up. Kit closed his book. How are you feeling?

I’m not sure, Dewi answered tremulously, touching her head. I think I may have a bruise. Have I been in an accident?

The sage eyes narrowed. You don’t remember?

Dewi wrinkled her brow, trying to think. What could she remember? Not much, in fact, nothing at all. Her mind was a huge frightening void.

I’m not sure… she said uncertainly.

Well, we could start with your name, Kit began, taking care to keep his tone light. Can you remember that?

Dewi began to shake her head. At the sight of the tears welling in girl’s huge dark eyes, an unexpected surge of protectiveness washed over Kit, but he resisted the impulse to reach out and lay a comforting hand on her arm. She was already looking frightened enough, and the last thing he wanted to do was to alarm the young woman any further. Now was obviously not a good time to mention the tragedy that brought her here. He took a breath.

When you. came here, he started gently, you were lapsing in and out of consciousness. You kept repeating a name – ‘Lucy’. He paused, watching her face for any sign that she recognised the name, but he saw none. He moistened his lips and went on encouragingly. Could that be your name? Are you Lucy?

Her brow wrinkled.

I’m not sure, but I don’t think so.

Well, we have to call you something. What would you suggest?

She frowned.

I think I can remember someone calling me Missy.

Kit laughed.

That would be Jesemy. She’s been looking after you.

He sat back in his chair, smiling at her. Dewi suddenly felt shy. Her heart gave a curious little flip. Who was this man with the searching green eyes?

Suddenly, he was on his feet.

That’s settled then. In the absence of any other name, Missy, it will be. Then, as though reading her mind, he gave a little bow and said, I’m Kit St Neot. Welcome to Mellin Hall.

He was towering over her, suddenly making the room feel small. She swallowed and cleared her throat.

What am I doing here?

You really don’t remember?

She shook her head again.

I told you. I remember nothing.

Kit looked away. This required careful handling. He didn’t want to risk this young woman having a relapse, and that was a definite possibility if he just blurted out about the shipwreck. So many had died that day, and she could possibly have known many of them – perhaps even been related to some.

I don’t think you should worry too much about the circumstances that brought you here. The important thing is that you get stronger. We can try to piece it all together when the time is right.

To his relief the girl seemed to accept this.

There was a tap on the door and they both turned as Jesemy entered, carrying a tray. Her plump, round face split into a smile when she saw her young patient was awake.

Just a light supper, she said, putting the tray on a table beside the bed.

Perhaps, if you feel well enough, you might like to come downstairs tomorrow, Missy? Kit had turned and was making for the door. He saw Jesemy’s eyebrow go up as he said the name. Our guest still doesn’t remember much about what happened, so we’ve agreed to take things a step at a time.

Jesemy nodded an understanding, her eyes never leaving the girl’s face.

Dewi thought she’d caught a look of sympathy in the woman’s eyes, and she shivered. Was there some terrible secret they were all keeping from her? She wasn’t sure she was looking forward to hearing about her past.

It was only two days since the Lady Emma foundered in the cove, but to Kit, taking his usual morning ride across the moors, it felt like a lifetime ago. He brought his horse to a stop when he reached the ridge from where Mellin Cove came into view and gazed down, shuddering at the memories. The sea was still choppy and the tide was high, but apart from a scattering of debris caught amongst the gullies at the foot of the cliffs, there was little other evidence of the tragedy.

He shook his head, frowning – only three survivors. He suddenly had an idea. Until now, he hadn’t given it a thought. He’d heard that the ship’s Master had been collected by the authorities almost immediately after the tragedy and taken off to explain to the vessel’s owners about what