She punched her pillows in an effort to get comfortable, but it was a waste of time. Her mind was a jumble of worry, anger and something else she couldn’t quite grasp.
David had been uneasy about delivering his news and she understood that. Who was this friend of his? If he wouldn’t tell them who it was, it must be someone they knew. But using Fred like that was wrong! If she ever found out who he was, he would receive the sharp end of her tongue for involving the young boy in this crazy scheme. But she couldn’t deny these men needed to be exposed as cheats, for goodness knows how many others were suffering because of them.
Damn! She sat up, bent her knees and rested her head on them. Her stomach was rebelling. She hated feeling so helpless. Her parents had aged in a short time, and it was terrible to watch them suffering so much. If only there was a way to make them happy again. It would help her mother to know her beloved son was surviving out there on his own. All David’s efforts to find him had failed, and as much as she hated to admit it, Mr Glendale was their only hope now.
Her sigh was ragged as she settled down again. Sleep. She must sleep. It was impossible to think clearly when she was so tired.
Drifting between consciousness and sleep, ideas on how she could ease her parents’ burden drifted through her mind. But there seemed no way out of the mess they were in. All she could do was take each day as it came, and do the best she could.
It had been painful parting with his grandfather’s pocket watch. All the time he had been losing at cards he’d held on to it, determined not to part with this item he loved. But there was nothing else left to sell. Even his decent clothes had been pawned as he’d moved from one cheap lodging house to another, always on the move to avoid being found or recognised. His shame was crushing and the only thing on his mind was to somehow redeem himself. And until that day he wanted to remain in the shadows, hidden from sight. Lacking any practical skill, he had tried to get labouring work at the docks. But there were too many hungry men fighting for work. He’d tried to get work as a ditch digger, but even there he had failed. His accent and unblemished hands showed him as a man not used to hard work. He deeply regretted his idle life. If he’d worked with his father, as he should have done, then he might be more fitted for surviving in this harsh environment. But he hadn’t, and it was no good wishing. He was a fool. His family had given him every opportunity in life, and he’d thrown it back in their faces. He didn’t know how they were coping with the aftermath of his stupidity, and he was frightened to find out. It was going to be terrible for them because his losses had been enormous, and if he knew the details of their suffering it would destroy him.
He counted out the money and put aside enough for the rent. At least he could pay the landlady when he left in the morning and wouldn’t have to creep away in the night.
After he had accepted that he wasn’t going to be able to find work of any kind, there had been only one avenue left open to him. It was going to be hard, but he was determined to prove to his family – and himself – that he could amount to something. This was now a burning desire, and might be an unattainable dream, but no matter what the future held, he wouldn’t let the dream fade. It would probably take him the rest of his life, but he would pay back every penny he had lost. And if he didn’t survive, at least they would know he had tried and given his all.
His meagre belongings were packed. Tomorrow he started a new life, and he was dreading it.
Chapter Thirteen
It was impossible for Gertrude to concentrate on her work. She hated not knowing what was going on, and was sick with worry. David had said they must not be involved because of the danger, and he never exaggerated. She had tossed and turned last night trying to place the other man involved. David had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and it could be any of them. The fact that they had involved Fred was even more worrying, and they shouldn’t have done that! She’d become very fond of the youngsters, and felt protective towards them.
Taking a deep breath to calm the agitation, she forced herself to get on with the paperwork in front of her. Had Fred been to the bookshop yet? If he didn’t come today then she’d have to go and find him. She wished he’d come. But it was no good fretting like this when she had work to do.
It was nearly twelve o’clock when she saw the youngsters peering in the door. With an exclamation of relief, she leapt to her feet, rushing to meet them.
‘Thank goodness you’re here!’ She urged them inside. ‘Are you all right?’
‘Yes, Miss.’ Millie grinned. ‘We got your message just now and Fred couldn’t wait to get here.’
The boy wasn’t taking any notice of them; he was too busy running his hands over a finished table. ‘Cor!’ was all he said, dropping to his knees to examine the legs.
Gertrude smiled for the first time that day and peered under the table at him. ‘I showed my father your box, and he wants to see you.’
‘What?’ He came up so quickly his head caught the corner of the table.
‘Do you like that, young man?’
Fred nearly lost his balance as he spun round to face the man who had spoken. ‘Yes, sir. Lovely bit of wood, sir. Oak at its best. Them joins is perfect, sir. And the polish …’ He sighed in ecstasy.
‘We pride ourselves on good workmanship.’ Sutton was looking highly amused at Fred’s reaction. ‘Would you like to have a look at the work going on here?’
‘Oh, yes please, sir!’ Fred was quite breathless with the excitement of it all.
‘This is my father,’ Gertrude said, when she could get a word in.
‘And you must be Millie and Fred. My daughter has told me about you. Gertrude, will you give Millie some tea while I have a talk with Fred?’
‘Of course.’ She led the young girl to the back of the workshop where they had a small kitchen.
‘I was very worried when David told me Fred had been asked to see if some men were cheating at cards.’ Gertrude handed Millie a plate of biscuits. ‘That was a dangerous thing to do.’
‘We was quite safe.’ The girl was already munching on one biscuit and holding another in her hand.
‘We?’ Gertrude spun round, leaving the water to boil. ‘Were you there as well?’
‘’Course. I wouldn’t let Fred go on his own. I didn’t see none of the men though. I was in the kitchen with the cook and D … Er, the other man made one of his servants stay with me.’
This just got worse! David had kept quiet about this, and she was furious. ‘A gambling den is no place for youngsters of your age.’
Millie laughed. ‘It weren’t no gambling den, Miss. It was proper posh. And as soon as Fred had spotted the cheats, Mr Gardener took us straight home.’
Now she was even more puzzled. ‘What was this other man going to do when you left?’
‘Dunno. He just said he had things to do and he wanted us out of the way.’ Millie studied Gertrude’s worried expression. ‘Don’t you fret none, Miss. This man’s tough. He can look after himself.’
‘Strong, is he?’ she asked innocently.
Millie soon realised what Gertrude was doing. ‘Can’t tell you no more. We promised, and I already said too much. That water’s gonna boil away,’ she pointed out.
‘Oh, damn!’ Gertrude muttered as she grabbed the kettle. While waiting for the tea to draw, she said, ‘I promised I wouldn’t ask you any questions, but I do hate not knowing what’s going on.’
‘’Spect you do.’ Millie nodded in sympathy. ‘But your friend and this other man are working in secret to keep all of us safe. They came and saw our mums before we did this. They left their carriage and walked down our street, causing quite a stir, I can tell you. They sat in our house and drank tea, as easy as you like. My mum was in quite a state and had a job to pour the tea.’ She giggled. ‘But they talked away just as if they was in a palace. Didn’t know posh gents could be so nice.’
Gertrude was bursting to hear more.
‘Millie!’ Fred’s voice put a s
top to their conversation. ‘What you been saying? Remember our promise.’
‘I haven’t said his name!’ She looked hurt at her friend’s rebuke. ‘I won’t say nothing to put him in danger. He’s a good bloke.’
Fred grinned, relieved Millie hadn’t let anything vital slip. ‘And Johnny keeps running up the road to see if he’s coming again.’ He glanced at Gertrude apologetically. ‘Sorry we can’t tell you everything, but we always keeps our promises.’
‘And so you should.’ Sutton walked in. ‘My daughter has an insatiable curiosity.’
‘Insat …’ Millie frowned. ‘That’s a new word to me. What’s it mean?’
‘Impossible to satisfy,’ Gertrude explained, pulling a face. ‘But this concerns us, Father. I can’t see the need for all this secrecy.’
‘Because this man, whoever he is, is not only trying to shield us from any unpleasantness, but also to keep Millie and Fred safe.’
‘You’ll know when he’s dealt with these men,’ Fred told her.
‘And you believe he will expose them?’
‘No doubt about it. If he sets about something, then he’ll do it. He’s that kind of man.’
He sounded so sure and the secrecy was frustrating. David knew plenty of men in the shipping business. It must be one of them he’d gone to for help, probably one of the ship owners. ‘In that case, I’ll have to wait patiently.’
‘We all will.’ Sutton turned his attention back to Fred. ‘Tell Millie your news.’
‘Oh.’ Fred started to hop from foot to foot in excitement, fairly bursting with pride. ‘I’m gonna work here! Mr Melrose’s gonna teach me everything about working with wood. I’m to be his apprentice!’
Millie erupted with a shout of glee. ‘Thank you, sir! All Fred needs is a chance. Thank you, thank you. When do you start, Fred?’
‘Tomorrow!’
‘Let’s get back and tell your mum and dad. They’ll be so proud of you working for one of the best in the business.’
Sutton was smiling at their pleasure. ‘Off you go. I’ll see you at eight in the morning, young man.’
‘I’ll be here, sir!’ He grabbed Millie’s hand and they rushed out of the workshop.
Gertrude watched them disappear and squeezed her father’s hand. ‘That was kind of you. Can you afford to take him on at the moment?’
‘We’ll manage.’ He smiled at his daughter. ‘I wish we could do something for the girl as well.’
‘So do I. She was overjoyed for Fred though. I’ll have a word with David and see if he can help find her a job. Her handwriting is excellent.’
‘Good idea. They’re bright youngsters and deserve a helping hand.’
The desire to confront the gamblers the night before had been tempting, but Alex had not considered it a wise thing to do. He didn’t want to draw attention to Fred, so this would have to be done stealthily by sowing seeds of suspicion. By the time word reached the Hayworth brothers it would have gone through many people, making it difficult for them to find out where the accusation had originally come from.
First he would make a call on Michael Shawbridge. He wasn’t sure if the damned fool deserved to be alerted to the danger, but his sister had loved him, and Alex felt he owed him the chance to get away from the brothers before their cheating became public knowledge. He would invite him to dine with him at the club, and as he did this from time to time it wouldn’t be thought unusual. After his sister had died he’d made a point of keeping in touch with Michael. After all, he had nearly become a part of the Glendale family.
Fastening his pocket watch in place, he gave a sad sigh. Who would have believed such tragedy would befall them. He was now the only Glendale left …
Would the pain never leave him?
Giving a disgusted grimace, he turned away from the mirror. Self-pity was a trait he despised. It was time he stopped yearning for a girl he couldn’t have and set about building the family again.
His long, determined stride took him out to the waiting carriage. That was a problem he would address soon, but for the moment he had several other urgent matters to deal with.
Michael accepted the invitation with pleasure and they went straight to the club. During the meal, Michael soon mentioned his surprise at seeing Alex in the gaming room the night before. ‘I didn’t know you liked to gamble,’ he said, smiling with amusement.
‘I don’t. I had a deal to make with Gardener Shipping and we were just passing the time before dining.’
‘How many ships have you got now, Alex?’
‘Two, but I’m thinking of buying another one.’
‘It’s a lucrative business then?’
‘Not at first,’ he told him, ‘but it’s beginning to show a profit. I enjoy the cut and thrust of buying and selling cargoes.’
‘You may deny that you’re a gambler,’ Michael laughed, ‘but I’m not so sure that’s true. You ought to join us tonight. There’s room at the Hayworths’ table.’
Shaking his head, Alex leant back, making sure the other diners could hear what he said. ‘I’m not a fool, Michael. They appear to be too lucky – if luck comes into it.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Surely you’ve heard the rumours?’ Alex refilled their wine glasses.
‘No.’ Michael glanced around quickly to see if any other diners were listening. He leant forward and spoke quietly. ‘What rumours?’
‘I’ve heard it mentioned that they appear to be very clever with cards.’ He didn’t bother to lower his voice. ‘There might be nothing in it – you know what London is like when it comes to gossip – but if I were you I’d keep well away from them just in case accusations begin to fly.’
‘I don’t play at their table.’ Michael looked agitated.
‘Ah, that’s right, you were on the next table.’ Alex smiled and called the waiter over to order brandy for them.
‘Er … who told you about this?’
Alex frowned as if trying to remember. ‘I was at a function last week given by Lord and Lady Shearing, and it seems some young men have got themselves into debt after playing with the Hayworths. It appears to have raised doubts as to the honesty of the games.’
All colour drained from Michael’s face. ‘Really? Rumours like that could ruin a man’s reputation. Is there any proof of this?’
‘I couldn’t say. I’m only repeating what I heard. I wouldn’t have said anything, for London is rife with tittle-tattle, and I usually take little notice, but I believe you are acquainted with them and should know what is being said.’ He swirled the brandy around in the glass. From the look on Michael’s face, he knew he had made his point and he hoped the damned fool would now distance himself from the Hayworth boys. He had done his duty by Michael and his sister, now it was up to the man to use some sense. He was aware many around them had been listening attentively; now all he could do was wait for the news to spread. And it would, like a raging fire.
Alex flicked open his watch. ‘Thank you for joining me, but I’m afraid I have another appointment. We must do this again soon.’
‘It has been most enjoyable.’ Michael had regained a little of his composure and stood, smiling. ‘Do you ever stop working?’
‘I like to keep busy.’ He shook hands with Michael and walked out of the dining room, stopping to speak briefly to several men on the way.
There was a grim smile on his face as he climbed into his carriage.
Now let the rumours begin to fly!
Chapter Fourteen
After another busy day, Gertrude arrived home alone. Her father was working himself too hard, and all her pleas had been unable to make him stop and come home for dinner. He had always been a quiet man, relaxed, never showing signs of irritation, but now he spoke sharply far too often. The change in him concerned her.
Removing her coat and hanging it in the hall, she was about to open the drawing room door when she heard a sound. Did her mother have visitors? She certainly hoped not because it would be
difficult to be sociable tonight. Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle and walked in.
Her mother was the only one in the room. She was standing by the fireplace, sobbing. It was a heart-rending sight.
‘Mother!’ Gertrude rushed to her side.
Florence spun round, making an effort to pull herself together, but the tears were unstoppable.
‘Has something happened? Have you had news of Edward? What’s happened to upset you so? Sit down and tell me why you’re crying like this.’
‘I’m sorry you had to see me in such a distressed state, my dear, but I was overwhelmed with sadness.’ Florence wiped her eyes, then clasped her hands together tightly. ‘Please don’t tell your father. He has enough to worry about.’
‘I promise. Is there anything I can do?’
Shaking her head, her mother settled back in the chair. ‘I’m out of my mind with worry about Edward, imagining all the terrible things that could have happened to him. Your father shouldn’t have turned him out with nothing. How is he going to manage? He’s never had to fend for himself.’ She began to shake. ‘And there’s this house. I’m here all day and it isn’t the same. Everything I touch belongs to someone else. All the items we’ve lovingly collected over the years are no longer ours …’
‘What do you mean?’ Her mother must be confused. ‘The contents are still ours, surely? Father only sold the house.’
‘No.’ Florence looked at her daughter, anguish in her eyes. ‘The house and entire contents were sold together. All we own are our personal belongings.’
She was stunned and furious at the same time. Why hadn’t she been told? They didn’t even own the chairs they sat on, or the beds they slept in! ‘This can’t be? The sale of the house alone would have cleared Edward’s debt. We’d already raised some of the money. You must have misunderstood, Mother.’
‘There was interest added because of the delay in settling the full amount.’
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