TREACHERY at Porthpenny

On the verge of a whole new life, Eliza was excited, yet fearful too

- Sarah Swann

THE STORY SO FAR

Cornwall 1662. Eliza, 16, from the fishing village of Porthpenny, visits the local wise woman, Elowen. On the way, she bumps into her friend Tamsyn, a housemaid at Tredemon House, and reveals she is to be interviewed by Lady Isolde Tredemon for the role of lady’s maid. They watch the fishermen netting pilchards for Lord Richard Tredemon, who’s widely believed to be involved in smuggling. Among them is Tamsyn’s brother, Clemo, and his friend, Henry, both of whom Eliza is sweet on. Elowen gives Eliza herbs for her mother, who is due to give birth soon. Eliza spies a tryst between Lady Isolde Tredemon and James Pascoe, the local animal healer. James’ older brother, Denzel, inherited their father’s fortune, leaving James a simple dwelling. Isolde gives James clothes for the poor, but says Lord Tredemon disapproves of her riding so freely. The pair part, leaving Eliza even more apprehensive about her interview.

Wednesday 19 July 1662 The day dawned bright and Eliza awoke to the sound of gulls squawking as they wheeled outside the Corney family’s small cob cottage. The door opened and closed gently as her father left for the boats.

Eliza had barely slept a wink, her tummy in knots fretting about her interview with Lady Isolde later that morning. She’d never been inside a grand house before, let alone take on a position as lady's maid. The rumours about Lord Tredemon’s treachery played on her mind too, turning excitement about her future into apprehension.

As she rubbed her eyes and stretched out her arms, Eliza smelt the milk her mother Jane was warming on the fire for the little ones. There were manchets on the table — any other day, Eliza would have devoured one of the bread rolls, but today her tummy was as jumbled as her thoughts.

‘Eat up, Eliza, Lady Isolde won't want you faint with hunger,’ said her mother, rubbing her back as she edged her towards the table.