It was the kind of news that helped to lift some of the gloom from him, and he smiled, genuinely pleased. ‘Congratulations, I’ve met the family and she’ll make you a fine wife.’
The worry cleared from Michael’s face. ‘I know she will. Thank you. I wasn’t sure how you’d take it.’
‘My sister has been dead for nearly two years, and you cannot live in the past. I’m delighted for you. I shall expect an invitation to the wedding.’
‘You’re already on the list.’ Michael smiled and sat back, relaxed at last.
They talked for another hour and then Alex was left to dine alone. It was satisfying to know the brothers had been exposed with no hint of Fred’s involvement. There was no chance of the Melrose family getting any of their money back, but it was a victory nonetheless. There was a measure of justice in their banishment from this country.
He gazed into the fire, watching the multicoloured flames dancing, and he took a deep breath, relaxing in the warmth and quiet. He’d told Michael he couldn’t live in the past. It was time he took his own advice and moved on with his life.
Pacing restlessly, Gertrude looked out of the window for the fourth time.
‘Do sit down, Gertie!’ Hanna scolded. ‘I swear you’re making me quite dizzy.’
She did as ordered, fingering the note in her hand. ‘I wish Father would come home. I won’t tell Mother we’ve heard from Edward until I’ve spoken to him.’
‘And you’re quite right not to. But you should have told him your mother asked you to trace Edward.’
‘I know I shouldn’t have kept that from him, but he’s never shown any interest in finding him. Now I hope he’ll be relieved that we can put Mother’s mind at ease. But I need to ask him how much he thinks we should tell her.’
‘Very little, I’d say.’ Hanna tipped her head to one side, listening. ‘Ah, here he comes now.’
‘How is she?’ he asked, as soon as he walked into the room.
‘Sleeping at the moment.’ Hanna handed her brother a glass of whisky. ‘Sit down. Gertie has something to tell you.’
It took her no more than ten minutes to explain about the search for Edward. When her father made no comment, she held out the note. ‘I apologise for not being honest with you, but Mother didn’t want you to know how bad she felt. Please read the note.’
He made no attempt to take it from her. ‘What does he say?’
‘Only that he’s all right and Mother is not to worry about him. She desperately needs to know Edward is safe, but how much do we tell her?’
‘You’re the only one who can make that decision, Sutton,’ Hanna told him.
He drained his glass and put it on the small table beside his chair. ‘Give her the note and say it was delivered here by hand, but no one saw the messenger. She must not be told the blasted idiot has joined the army.’
He stood up, clearly angry. ‘Is that understood?’
‘Yes, Father.’ Gertrude watched him stride out of the room. ‘He’s furious with me. That’s the first time I’ve ever been anything but open and honest with him.’
‘It isn’t that. He’s blaming himself for Florence’s illness, and he’s distressed Edward is going to be in such danger.’
‘But he doesn’t care what Edward does.’
Her aunt gave her a sad glance. ‘He cares, my dear. He sent Edward away because he knew his son would sink further into trouble unless he was brought to his senses. The way he did it may seem brutal, but it had to be done, and I believe it was the right thing. Edward is now in the army and the discipline will make or break him. I’d bet on it being the making of him.’
‘I never thought of it like that. I believed Father sent him away because he hated him for what he’d done to us.’
‘No, my dear. Sutton has constantly urged Edward to come into the business and live a useful, productive life, but the boy kept making excuses, saying he would consider it in a few months. But he never intended working. He was out of control.’
‘Poor Father, what a terrible burden for him to carry.’
‘It is, but he’ll survive with our help. Don’t be deceived by his gentleness, he’s a strong man. Now, why don’t you go and see your mother?’
Gertrude rushed over to her aunt and gave her an affectionate hug. ‘You’re so wise and sensible. I don’t know what we’d do without you in this crisis.’
‘You’d manage. You’re just like your father, though you don’t realise it yet. Now, off you go.’ Hanna waved her away.
Her aunt always managed to put things in their proper perspective, Gertrude thought as she made her way up to her mother’s room. And if she had inherited even a small amount of her father’s character, then she was blessed indeed. The problem was she didn’t feel strong; she was floundering, close to panic some of the time. It was only the love she felt for her brother and parents that stopped her crumbling. The only person she ever let her guard down with was David.
Quietly opening her mother’s door, she peered in. ‘Is she awake, nurse?’ she whispered.
‘Come in, Miss. Your mother’s had a wash and change of nightclothes, and she’s more comfortable now.’ The nurse straightened the bedclothes. ‘Stay for a while, but don’t tire her.’
‘I won’t.’ She walked towards the bed, a bright smile on her face. ‘I have good news, Mother.’
‘Edward?’
She nodded, sat on a chair by the bed and held out the note. ‘He’s written to you.’
‘Read it to me.’
As she read her brother’s brief words, she saw the tears gather in her mother’s eyes.
‘Oh, thank God! He’s all right! Where is he? I want to see him. Need to see him.’
‘Edward doesn’t say where he is.’ She was trying not to say more than was necessary. ‘But he’s fine, and I expect he’ll write again.’
Her mother took the note from her, kissed it, and then clutched it to her heart. With a sigh of relief she closed her eyes.
Believing she’d fallen asleep, Gertrude began to stand up, sad for her mother’s suffering, and knowing it wasn’t going to be possible for her to see her son for a very long time.
‘Got to find our daughter a husband,’ her mother murmured. ‘Got to have someone to take care of her.’
Gertrude sat down again, dismayed to realise her mother was still worrying about her.
The nurse touched her shoulder. ‘She’s talking in her sleep, that’s all. Knowing her son’s all right will help her rest easier.’
‘That’s what I’d hoped, but she’s also worrying about me.’
‘Only natural.’ The nurse smiled understandingly. ‘A mother is always concerned about her children, and I’m afraid worry is also a result of the illness. She feels helpless, you see.’
Afraid she was going to break down, Gertrude left quickly and made for her own room. It was vital her mother didn’t worry, especially about her. What was she going to do? She couldn’t conjure up a husband!
The tension inside her was unbearable and there was no relief from tears. Her eyes were dry. She knew the answer to the problem had been there when Mr Glendale had suggested they marry. And what had she done? Insulted him and stormed away.
Fool! Damned fool! It would have been a loveless marriage, but there were still many marriages of convenience. He needed a wife; needed a family of his own again. It might not have been so bad; he was a good man. Everyone said so. But she found him so disturbing …
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she rested her head in her hands. He’d never speak to her again. When she had gone back downstairs he’d told her she had stormed out before he’d had a chance to explain the reason for his offer. He obviously hadn’t been prepared to tell her then, and how could she blame him? After being snubbed so rudely it was understandable that he’d keep his reasons to himself.
She should have listened to what he had to say. But it was easy to be wise after the event, and it was a bad habit of hers to react too quickly without
hearing the whole story. She would have to make sure she learnt from this.
Chapter Twenty-Two
‘Two young people to see you, sir.’
Biting back a curse, Alex glared at his butler. The last thing he wanted tonight was visitors.
‘Millie and Fred, sir.’ Seeing the scowl on his master’s face, he asked, ‘Shall I tell them you’re not at home?’
‘No, of course not.’ Perhaps it was for the best. The lively youngsters would certainly keep him from brooding. ‘Send them in.’
‘And shall I ask Cook for refreshments?’
The butler’s dry tone of voice made him smile, lifting the unhappiness he was feeling. They only had to appear and Cook wanted to feed them. ‘Better make it a large selection.’
‘Of course, sir.’
As soon as Hunt left the room, Fred and Millie tumbled in, beaming with excitement.
‘We’ve seen May, and the doc says the operation went well and there’s a good chance she’ll be able to walk properly.’ Millie couldn’t stop smiling.
Alex was surprised. ‘I didn’t think the operation was for a few days yet. I had intended to be there.’
‘The doc did it today,’ Fred told him. ‘He said it wasn’t as bad as he’d first thought, so he did it straight away. She didn’t have time to think about it so she wasn’t too frightened. And the chair you ordered will be ready in a couple of days. Mr Melrose is hurrying it along.’
‘That is good news.’ He was delighted. ‘Sit down and tell me how she is.’
‘A bit dopey, you know, but she smiled when we told her she was gonna walk like everyone else soon. We can’t get Johnny away from her side. Loves that little girl, he does. They don’t usually let children in the wards, but they said he could stay with her for a while.’ Millie sat on the satin chair without giving it a second glance this time.
‘And her mum cried,’ Fred said. ‘Her dad was close to tears as well when the doc spoke to him. Real happy they was with what he told them.’
Millie nodded. ‘They said there’s no way in this world they could ever thank you enough.’
‘Knowing she’s going to be able to walk properly again is thanks enough.’ Alex smiled. ‘Are you hungry?’
‘We’re always hungry,’ the girl laughed. ‘You know that.’
‘So I do.’ The door opened and the maid wheeled in a trolley laden with food.
Daisy smiled with pleasure when she saw Millie was wearing the frock she’d given her.
‘Did you get your new frocks from him?’ Millie looked pointedly at Alex.
‘Yes, two as promised.’
‘Good.’ She gave a satisfied nod.
‘Thank you, Daisy.’ Alex struggled to keep a grin at bay. ‘We’ll serve ourselves.’
‘Very well, sir.’ The maid smiled again at the two youngsters as she left.
‘Oh, I nearly forgot.’ Fred fished in his pocket and handed Alex a sheet of paper. ‘Johnny said you was to have this. It shows what was spent. And when are you coming to see him again?’
‘Tell him I’ll be along some time tomorrow.’
‘Right. He was at the hospital with May’s mum and dad. Gets worried about her, he does, and took her a bag of fruit. It’s all down on the paper, he said to tell you.’
The butler slipped in quietly. ‘Mr Gardener to see you, sir.’
‘Show him in, Hunt.’ Alex noted the rapidly depleting trolley. ‘And ask Cook for more tea and food.’
‘Yes, sir.’ Hunt’s mouth twitched. ‘Cook asked if the young people would like a basket of food – each – to take home? With your permission, of course, sir.’
‘I’m sure they would.’ Alex looked at the youngsters, who were nodding vigorously. ‘Thank Cook for us, Hunt.’
‘Of course, sir.’
‘Oh, and have the carriage made ready to take Fred and Millie home.’
‘You don’t need to do that. We can go on the bus, can’t we, Millie? We got enough for our fare now we’re working.’
‘No, it’s bitterly cold. You keep your money for something else.’
‘Thanks.’ Millie helped herself to the last sandwich. ‘We give most of what we earn to our mums, but we’re saving up, as well.’
‘Hello, Mr Gardener,’ Fred said as David walked into the room. ‘We’ve been to see May. She’s gonna be all right.’
David looked surprised as he shook hands with Alex.
‘They operated today,’ Alex explained. ‘The doctor made a quick decision to do it right away. It went well evidently, and he’s hopeful for the little girl.’
‘That is good news!’
Daisy returned, carrying two baskets of food. She put them down near Fred and Millie. ‘Fresh tea is on its way, sir.’
The butler was right behind her. ‘The carriage is ready, sir.’
Alex stood up. ‘Thank you for coming to let me know about May.’
‘The doc asked us to let you know. He couldn’t come himself ’cos he’s ever so busy.’ Fred nudged Millie. ‘Time we went. Sir and Mr Gardener got business to do.’
‘Thanks for the grub.’ Millie eyed the basket. ‘It’s good of you, but you don’t have to give us so much now we’ve got jobs.’
‘Cook would be very upset if you didn’t want her food. It gives her pleasure to know you enjoy her cooking.’
‘Ah …well, we wouldn’t want to upset her. Would we, Fred?’
‘No fear. Best food we’ve ever tasted, and we share it out.’ Fred turned to David, his expression worried. ‘You seen Miss? Is she all right? How’s her mum?’
‘Her mother’s still very ill. This is an unhappy time for her and her father.’
‘’T’aint right!’ Millie declared. ‘She ain’t done nothing to deserve this. That brother of hers ought to be ashamed of himself. You tell her to send for us if there’s anything we can do. She’s so kind. You looking out for her, Mr Gardener?’
‘We both are.’ David nodded in Alex’s direction.
‘That’s good.’ Fred scowled. ‘She needs friends at a time like this. We’ll do anything for her. She’s only got to say. Ain’t that right, Millie?’
The girl nodded. ‘That’s right. ’Cos we’re her friends too.’
Hunt appeared in the doorway. ‘The horse is getting cold, sir.’
After saying a hasty goodbye, they watched the youngsters climb into the carriage and disappear up the road.
‘I’ll go and see May tomorrow.’ David took a cup of tea from Alex and sat down. ‘Where is she?’
‘Whitechapel.’ Alex let out a deep sigh.
‘You all right?’ David asked, concerned by Alex’s drawn and tired appearance.
‘I made a mess of my meeting with your friend. She took offence at something I suggested, and that was the last thing I wanted to do.’
David knew he was talking about Gertie. It was all too obvious. ‘Wasn’t she relieved to know her brother was all right?’
‘She was pleased to have the note to show her mother.’ Alex stood up, resting his hand on the mantelpiece and staring into the dancing flames. ‘She looks near the end of her strength, and when I suggested a way to ease their problems, she asked her aunt to throw me out.’
‘Oh, Gertie!’ David muttered under his breath. ‘She’s too proud, and reacts badly to any hint of charity.’
Alex’s laugh was devoid of humour. ‘The price was too high for her.’
When Alex said no more, David didn’t probe further. What this was all about was between the two of them. ‘And did Hanna throw you out?’
‘No, she made her niece face me so I could apologise.’
‘You had to apologise for offering to help?’ David could picture the scene. A furious Gertie, and Hanna laying down the law. No man would stand a chance between the two of them, and they would test anyone’s patience.
Sitting down again, Alex grimaced. ‘The situation was ridiculous. You may laugh. I know you’re finding it difficult to keep a straight face.’
/> That was all David needed, and he began to shake with laughter. ‘I’m sorry, but I know those two, and if the pair of them set about me, I’d run like hell! I’ve known Gertie nearly all my life and love her dearly, but she is difficult to handle at times. I could never understand her stubborn streak because she has such a caring nature, and would help anyone in trouble.’
Alex nodded, amused now. ‘She didn’t even let me finish what I was saying.’
‘She often admits to being unreasonable at times, and once she’s formed a firm opinion it’s hard to make her change her mind.’ He was serious again. ‘Don’t be too hard with your judgement of her. She’s half out of her mind with worry for her family, and I expect that’s why she reacted so badly.’
‘I dare say you’re right. She’s in dire trouble and has her pride. I can’t blame her for that, but I now feel I’ve done as much as I can for her. As you are aware, I did at one time harbour a hope that we would become better acquainted. Regardless of her faults – and we all have those – I liked her the moment I set eyes on her. She has a pleasing personality and a lively intelligence, and I felt she would make an ideal wife for me.’ Alex frowned. ‘I would soon become bored with a docile wife.’
‘She might yet come to care for you,’ David suggested, trying to give comfort.
‘Not after today. I’ve been defeated and I’m battle weary. I have a lovely house in the heart of Hampshire and I’m thinking of going there for a while.’ He sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. ‘It’s full of memories and that’s why I haven’t visited it since I returned home. It’s time I laid a few ghosts and got on with my life.’
Chapter Twenty-Three
‘What on earth did you do to Alex?’ David asked Gertrude when she came into his office the next day. ‘I’ve never seen him so depressed.’
She looked uncomfortable. ‘He insulted me.’
‘Come on, I don’t believe that. He’s a gentleman through and through.’
‘I don’t want to talk about it. He apologised, and that’s an end to it.’
Hold on to your Dreams Page 16