A Dream to Share

by A Dream to Share (retail) (epub)

  Emma said without hesitation, ‘I’ve no complaints. She pays well and seems to care about my welfare and that of my family. She believes in what she does and helps people even if they can’t pay the full fee. Whether that’s because she really cares about them or because it makes her feel good, I’m not sure.’

  Victoria said in a surprised tone, ‘It’s perceptive of you, Emma, to realise there is a difference.’

  Emma almost said I’m not stupid but decided Victoria might unbur­den herself some more if she kept quiet. Disappointingly, the older woman was silent as they crossed the old Dee Bridge and the car chugged up Lower Bridge Street and past the Falcon Inn.

  Victoria set Emma down on the corner of Castle Street and said that if she wanted a lift home then she must be outside the solicitor’s office of Crane & Crane in an hour’s time. Emma agreed to be there and hur­ried away, intending to buy a stamp at the post office and post her let­ter to Hannah before doing the shopping. An absentminded Mrs Black had agreed to Emma having the time off to meet Hannah.

  Victoria parked the car further up Castle Street, but before she could even step down onto the pavement, Mr Crane’s clerk was there holding the door open for her. ‘I saw you ahead of me, Miss Waters, and when you stopped the car I realised you must be visiting Mr Crane.’

  ‘I have no appointment, Mr Vernon,’ she said hastily, ‘but I am hop­ing he will see me.’

  ‘I’m sure he’ll make time for you, Miss Waters,’ he said in a fulsome voice. ‘How is Mr Waters?’

  ‘He died yesterday. That is why I’m here. I need Mr Crane’s advice.’

  Mr Vernon looked shocked. ‘Oh, my dear Miss Waters! What a catastrophe for you with Mr Bennett away and your grandmother not herself.’

  ‘I see you are kept well informed about our affairs, Mr Vernon,’ she said quietly.

  A flush darkened his jowls. ‘Your father was a garrulous man, Miss Waters.’ He ushered her up the steps and held the front door open for her.

  Her eyes were bleak, thinking of all the things her papa had not told her. ‘What do you know, Mr Vernon, about Mr Bennett and my papa?’ she asked.

  ‘I’d rather not say, Miss. It is Mr Crane’s place to inform you of any­ matters concerning that young man.’ His thin lips pursed in disap­proval.

  That expression was enough for Victoria. Her black skirts swept the floor as she swayed ahead of him and knocked on the door of Mr Crane’s office.

  ‘Who is it?’ demanded an irascible voice.

  ‘Miss Victoria Waters! I must speak with you immediately,’ she replied, and without waiting for his response, she turned the knob and pushed open the door.

  The bald headed, thin figure sitting behind the desk rose slowly to his feet. ‘My dear Miss Waters, what are you doing here?’

  She closed the door behind her and said harshly, ‘My father is dead. I need to know what is in his will.’

  Except for the elevation of his eyebrows, he made no other outward sign of being shocked by the news. ‘You have my deepest sympathy. Please be seated and I will have some tea brought to us.’

  ‘Thank you. That would be most acceptable.’ The words were uttered in a slightly breathless voice.

  ‘You mustn’t get yourself upset, my dear. Where is the young woman who was often your companion?’

  ‘If you mean Miss Moran, then I am sure you have heard from my father that she has married Mr Bennett, who I have been informed is my half-brother, and they are on their way to India.’ She clasped her handbag tightly in her lap, willing her hands not to shake.

  ‘A moment, my dear.’ He walked over to the door and opened it to find his clerk hovering outside. ‘Have the girl bring us some tea, Vernon, if you please.’ He closed the door and returned to his chair, resting his elbows on the desk as he steepled his hands. ‘I advised your father to tell you the truth about Mr Bennett and when he refused, I suggested that he write you a letter for you to read after his death. He did not give me any such letter but most likely he thought there was time enough to do so in the future.’

  Victoria felt as if a rug had been pulled from beneath her feet. She had hoped until this moment that what Mrs Black had said about Sebastian was a lie but here was confirmation of her words.

  ‘You’ve gone quite pale, my dear. But I assure you matters could be much worse.’

  ‘How can you say that?’ she whispered. ‘Papa has betrayed all the trust I placed in him. He betrayed my mother, and Gabrielle whom I regarded with much affection might be responsible for his death. As for Sebastian… how do I know he doesn’t have plans to cheat me out of what is rightfully mine.’

  Mr Crane looked shocked. ‘You are overwrought, my dear. I cannot believe Mrs Bennett would kill your father. As for young Mr Bennett, he had no idea that he was your father’s son until recently. Perhaps you could tell me who put such ideas in your head.’

  ‘A woman named Mrs Black. She knew Papa from years ago.’

  Mr Crane tapped his fingers against his teeth. ‘I’ve heard of Mrs Black. She has a certain reputation… but I had no idea Mr Waters had consulted her.’

  Victoria cleared her throat. ‘She came to see me and said that I should ask about Papa’s will. She hinted that Gabrielle and Sebastian would be mentioned in it.’

  Mr Crane hesitated and then lowed his hands to the desk. ‘She is not mistaken. They have been since that young man’s birth.’

  Victoria gasped and he asked was she alright. She nodded and took out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. ‘So who is left what?’

  ‘I really should not tell you without the other beneficiaries present but – as it is going to take a little while for the news of his father’s death to reach young Mr Bennett – perhaps he will not mind my informing you about those matters that concern you both directly.’ He paused. ‘Your half-brother will inherit no sums of money from your father but a fifty per cent share in the business – and this only on the condition he continues to work for the company in the role of manager. You inherit the other half and the residue of your father’s estate after the other beneficiaries have been paid out. Mr Bennett’s wages are to be increased immediately in line with his new position, and if either of you decides to sell their share of the business then each would need the agreement of the other.’

  ‘What if I were to die?’ asked Victoria faintly.

  ‘If you die a spinster, then there is a codicil that says everything will go to him.’

  She wanted to weep. ‘But if I were to marry and have children… what would they inherit if I and my husband were to die?’

  ‘I think I’d be right in saying they would inherit your half of the business.’ He added gently, ‘Are you planning to marry?’

  She did not answer him but instead asked, ‘Does Mr Bennett know what is in my father’s will?’

  ‘Not that I am aware.’ At that point their conversation was inter­rupted by a knock on the door. ‘Come!’ bellowed Mr Crane.

  The door opened slowly and a girl pushed her way in, carrying a tray. Mr Crane took it from her and waved her out. Whilst they drank their tea, he advised Victoria to write to her half-brother immediately so as to catch the next mail boat going to Egypt. With a bit of luck her letter would reach Mr and Mrs Bennett before their ship passed through the Suez Canal on its way to India.

  Victoria thanked him for his advice but she had no intention of tak­ing it. She was so angry that she didn’t want to see Sebastian and sure­ly there were other men in the Liverpool office who could manage her father’s business affairs. She thanked Mr Crane for the tea and informa­tion and told him that she would let him know when the funeral was to take place and left.

  There was no sign of Emma outside but as a full hour had not yet passed Victoria decided to wait and see if she turned up. She sat in the driving seat, glad of the opportunity to have this time to herself to con­sider not only the funeral arrangements but also to think more deeply of what Mrs Black had told her last evening. Both she and Gabrie
lle had in their own way accused the other of being responsible for her papa’s death. Although neither had produced any proof. She baulked at calling in the police when she had only the women’s word to go on but decid­ed she must be rid of both of them. Of course, dismissing Gabrielle would be no trouble. However Mrs Black was another matter. It was at that point in her musings that Emma arrived.

  ‘I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long, Miss Waters?’

  Victoria glanced down at the diminutive figure in the shabby brown costume and said with a sigh, ‘Would you mind cranking the engine for me, Emma?’

  Emma did mind but, as a ride in the motorcar would get her back to Mrs Black’s quicker, she did as she was asked. In no time at all they were heading for the Dee.

  Victoria came to a decision. ‘I wish you to tell Mrs Black something for me, Emma.’

  ‘What’s that, Miss?’

  ‘I’m considering calling in the police. Both she and Gabrielle have accused the other of being responsible for Papa’s death.’

  Emma stared at her and swore inwardly. ‘Are we talking about mur­der here, Miss?’ she asked hesitatingly.

  Victoria said soberly, ‘Could be, Emma. Why, have you got some information for me?’

  Emma remembered what Alice had said about needing to watch what one ate in Mrs Black’s company but, for the life of her, could see no reason for her employer to want to get rid of Mr Waters, so she shook her head. ‘I should imagine your father was paying Mrs Black good money, so I can’t see her killing the goose that laid the golden eggs.’

  ‘Indeed! But for all we know there might have been something more between them than has come to light. As for Gabrielle, she does have a passionate and jealous nature… and Papa was once a very g – good look­ing…’ Her voice broke and it was not until the car drew up at the kerb outside the house that she had enough control of her emotions to say, ‘Tell Mrs Black what we have discussed… and if you ever feel like chang­ing situations, Emma, please, let me know. I would happily take you into my household now that Alice has married Sebastian. You can read and write, can’t you?’

  Emma said in a dignified voice, ‘Of course, Miss. My dad might have plenty of faults but he’s always been keen on us kids knowing the three Rs.’

  ‘Good! God only knows when Alice and Sebastian will return… and when they do I don’t want them living with me,’ she said tersely. ‘Good day.’

  Emma wished she knew why she didn’t want the newlyweds back home but guessed it might not be well received if she asked. So she just collected the shopping from the back seat and thanked her for the ride.

  After Emma had finished unpacking the shopping, she told her employer what Victoria had said. Waiting for her reaction she expected her to explode with anger. Instead Eudora spoke not a word. Even when supper was over and Emma had cleared away and washed the dishes, her employer only said that she could take tomorrow afternoon off to see her family.

  Emma did so but when she returned to the apartment, it was to find it deserted and an envelope addressed to her propped up on the mantelshelf in the drawing room. Swiftly, she slit it open and took out a sheet of paper. As she unfolded it a five pound note fell out. Picking it up she placed it in her pocket and began to read the note with a heavily beating heart.

  Dear Emma,

  I hope this will tide you over until you find another position. I am renting out my apartment and going abroad for a while. I’m sure a touch of sun will do my aching bones nothing but good. I look forward to seeing you again one day.

  *My very best wishes,

  Eudora Black.

  Emma was filled with dismay. Did her sudden departure mean that she did have something to do with Mr Waters’ death? She supposed she would never know for sure. Whatever, Emma lamented the loss of the best employer she had ever had and wondered where she was now.

  * * *

  ‘How are you feeling today, Malcolm dear?’ asked Eudora, seating her­self in a comfy chair the other side of the table.

  Mal Moran gazed across at her from drooping eyelids but did not reply. His rust coloured hair had been cut very short and his face looked bloated. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then closed it again. Of course he was away to the woods, thought Eudora, drugged up to those soulful brown eyeballs of his, so he can’t give the staff any trouble. He had once been such a fine figure of a man but with so much anger and frustration inside him. Sad! And all down to that murdering, narrow-minded mother of his but Eudora had cooked her goose and set him free from her influence for good. Afterwards, as a medium, she had been concerned about the old Mrs Moran’s spirit not resting easily, so she had been extra careful when conducting a séance not to leave her­self open to possession by any evil spirits on the rampage.

  Eudora leaned forward. ‘I’ve come to say au revoir. I’m off to the mystic East. It’s possible but unlikely I might bump into Alice. You haven’t forgotten your daughter, Alice, have you?’ She watched his eyes intently, wondering if that was a flicker of recognition in their depths. ‘She’s married now. Fortunately, she found out what a swine Hanny Kirk’s brother, Bert, was before tying the knot. I’m sure you remember him, he was the one who helped put you in here. He certainly got his revenge for your pushing his mother downstairs and her never being the same since.’ Eudora sighed. ‘I know that she was an interfering busybody who set your wife against you… but your lack of self-control that day has affected so many lives. Bert has gone from bad to worse and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up in prison one day. I can imag­ine that would result in his mother having a complete breakdown.’

  There! Was that a flicker? She had hoped that he would have made some kind of recovery after more than two years in the asylum. The medication meant that he led a quiet life which enabled the brain to rest; although that was only good if it didn’t make him brain dead, as well. It was such a shame that he had ended up in here. Mothers! They had such a lot to answer for.

  From her capacious handbag, she took a box of chocolates and a bag of boiled sweets and placed them on the table. ‘These are for you. Next time I come, I’ll have lots to tell you about my travels.’

  His hand reached out slowly for the confectionary and her eye­ brows rose slightly. Something was getting through but just how much she could only guess at. She stood up and, bending over him, rested a hand lightly on that distinctive red hair and kissed his cheek. ‘Till the next time, my dear.’

  As she neared the end of the ward, she glanced over her shoulder and saw that two of his fingers were pressed against the spot where she had kissed him. She felt a frisson of pleasure, thinking that she hadn’t lost her touch, and smiled before closing the ward door behind her.

  Chapter Twelve

  April, 1909

  It was two months since Eudora Black’s departure and Emma was sit­ting across a table from Hannah Kirk in the cocoa house in Brook Street, waiting for their cocoa to arrive. She’d had to cancel the first meeting because she had taken up Victoria Waters’ offer of a job and her new employer had refused to allow her time off, saying she could not spare her so soon due to her papa’s funeral and the departure of Gabrielle. Her absence had left a gap, although she had never heard Victoria admit to it. But at last Emma had managed to wangle a couple of hours off and arranged another meeting with Hannah.

  Immediately they had recognised each other: Emma from having seen Hannah as a bride and she from her likeness to Agnes. Both their eyes had filled with tears when Hannah had spoken of Agnes, saying that she would never forget her. Then she had hugged Emma, adding that she hoped they could be friends. Such warmth had caused Emma to take to Hannah instantly.

  ‘Shall we get Bert out of the way and then we can talk about Mrs Black?’ suggested Hannah.

  Emma was surprised by her mention of her previous employer but agreed and watched as Hannah reached into her handbag and took out a sheet of paper. She hesitated and then slid it across the table. Emma picked it up and scanned the lines of p
rint then glanced across at Hannah’s strained face. ‘I know he’s your brother but he must be sick in the head. Why is he like this?’

  Hannah sighed. ‘I wish I knew. He was brought up to consider other people’s feelings but you wouldn’t believe it from what he’s written there. Sometimes I’ve wondered if some people are just born with a capacity for real evil inside them.’

  ‘Could be,’ said Emma, handing back the letter.

  Hannah scrunched it up and dropped it back in her handbag. ‘It would help if the wicked in the world looked cruel and horrible but Bert’s a handsome swine.’

  Emma said swiftly, ‘I suppose you haven’t got a likeness of him?’ A sharp laugh issued from Hannah’s lips. ‘I wouldn’t give a photo­graph of him shelf room. I can tell you he’s fair haired and blue eyed with a cleft in his chin, but I suppose that’s not much help to you. There’s plenty of men with those kind of looks about.’

  Emma thought of David, but before she could say anymore on the subject of fair, handsome men, their cocoa and scones arrived. Once the bill had been paid and they’d both drunk some of the hot beverage and eaten half a scone, she said, ‘What about your mam – does she have a photograph of Bert?’

  Hannah shook her head. ‘They’ve all disappeared. Whether that’s because Dah didn’t want to be reminded of him or Mother’s hidden them away somewhere, I don’t know.’

  ‘Is there anyway you could find out? I’d really like to see what he looks like. Otherwise he could be right behind me and I’d never know it.’

  Hannah nodded. ‘I’ll do my best. Now our Bert knows who you are he just might try to worm his way into your affections.’

  ‘I’m not about to allow myself to be charmed by any fair men with clefts in their chins,’ murmured Emma, absently eating the rest of her scone and thinking of David again. She had not heard anything from him and surprisingly, that really hurt. Perhaps she had read too much into a single kiss. Of course, maybe he’d been so involved with union affairs he hadn’t read about the attack. She had asked her father for news of David but he’d told her that he hadn’t seen him in ages.