Visiting the Servants’ Registry Office in Scotland Passage, Orpha hired a cook to make the chocolate, two serving girls and four more to work under the cook’s instructions in the new shop.
Visiting the Northern Flour Supply Company in Coleridge Chambers, she requested them to supply the shop in Upper Priory as they did in Wolverhampton. Birmingham Dairy Company in Haydon Chambers was given the same request, as were Cadbury Bro’s for the cocoa powder. She ordered a new telephone system to be installed in the new shop, so the staff could contact her easily in the event of any difficulties.
Orpha went to order two new signs for the shops in Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
‘By Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Victoria’
Orpha Buchanan, Confectioner
‘The Choc’s Box’
On the train home, she thought about how she had made the money given to her by her father stretch a long way, and now it was up to her to ensure her businesses thrived.
Orpha had found a factory which made up and delivered the petit fours cases, so she and the workers no longer had to make up the wax ones by hand. This now freed up her staff to concentrate on the chocolate making. Everything was running smoothly at the Wolverhampton operation and other than meetings with her accountant, Orpha had time to spare. Using this time wisely, she and her head cooks had experimented with new ideas for improving her product. Her shop window displays were changed often and at times such as Christmas and Easter she determined to try out new ideas. New tin moulds were designed and pretty wrappers and ribbons adorned her specialty boxes. Now she could do all this in her new shop in Birmingham.
Orpha’s thoughts roamed again as she sat in the parlour of Buchanan Mansion. She was happy dividing her time between the shops, working with the chocolate makers, and keeping a check on her finances via the bank. She was becoming a very wealthy young woman, but as time passed Orpha felt she was lacking something in her life. Would she find herself a man to share her life? How would she ever meet such a man? Her life was taken up with her work and socialising was not something she did. Maybe it was time to make the effort.
Then she found herself thinking again about Simmons. Something she was doing more and more as time went on. He was handsome and his eyes held a constant mischievous twinkle. Tall and straight, he was always immaculate. His smile was infectious and again she felt her pulse rate quicken. With a huge sigh, she knew it could never be between them. She was the mistress and he was the butler and any romantic notions she had about him must be pushed firmly out of mind. Try as she might she was finding this virtually impossible now they were all living under one roof and she was seeing him every day. No, she realised she must concentrate fully on her work in an effort to beat off the palpitations she felt each time she saw Simmons.
*
Hortense stood on the railway platform in Wolverhampton watching the girl with the green eyes. Pushing her way through the crowd, she hid amongst the people standing behind Orpha. The platform was busy with folk pushing and shoving in order to be first on the train when it arrived. Hearing the train whistle sound, Hortense prepared herself. If she timed her actions properly, she would be free of at least one member of that family. Watching the train approach, a murmur of excitement ran through the throng of people as they jostled for a prime position. The train slowed and Hortense moved forward, pushing the people in front of her. The momentum spread and Orpha was now on the very edge of the platform with people at her back and on either side of her. One more push! Hortense watched the train moving towards her, belching out steam on its approach. She took two steps forward, making the woman in front of her do the same. She watched the scene as if in slow motion as Orpha teetered on the edge of the platform before tipping forward. A loud scream sounded and Hortense closed her eyes for the briefest moment. Opening them as gasps sounded, she saw Orpha in a young man’s arms.
What…! How…? The interfering man had prevented Orpha from falling onto the tracks and being crushed by the big iron train now at a hissing standstill.
Hortense ran away feeling angry at herself and disgust at the young man. For God’s sake! Why would that girl just not die?!
Sitting in a tea shop, she annoyed other customers by tapping the teaspoon on the saucer. Complaints were made to the waitress who quietly asked Hortense to refrain from tapping. In no mood to bandy words with the girl, she threw the spoon across the room as all eyes turned to her. She walked out of the shop as everyone stared. The waitress apologised to her customers and then muttered, ‘She never even paid for her tea!’
Hortense couldn’t believe her bad luck. What was it about Abel’s family that saw them escape her at every turn? Catching the next train to Birmingham, she fumed inwardly before dismissing the incident from her mind. With her money just about to run out, she had a bank to visit.
*
‘My name is Ashley Rochester,’ the young man said after ensuring Orpha was all right.
‘Thank you, Mr Rochester, I am Orpha Buchanan,’ she said quietly, desperately trying to control her shaking body.
‘My God but that was a close thing! We almost lost you there, Miss Buchanan,’ he said with a dazzling smile.
Only now did Orpha look up at the man who had saved her from certain death. Chocolate drop eyes, which sheltered beneath hair almost as black as her own, looked back at her. A lopsided grin showed even white teeth and Orpha felt the stirring within her. He was strong, for hadn’t he just plucked her out of thin air with the swing of just one arm?
‘Indeed,’ Orpha gasped as she lowered her eyes, all at once realising she was blatantly staring at him.
‘Miss Buchanan, if you would allow, may I buy you a cup of tea… to steady your nerves of course.’ He gave a small theatrical bow, making her smile despite the shaking that had overtaken her.
‘Mr Rochester… that would be very nice, thank you,’ she replied. His dazzling smile and her terrifying experience of almost being crushed beneath the train wheels had her forget all propriety regarding first meetings with strangers, especially men.
Parting the crowd, Ashley led Orpha out of the station and into the nearest tea shop. She began to calm, and chatting over tea she explained she was on her way to her shop in Birmingham when the incident occurred. She shuddered at the memory. Telling him of her businesses, he informed her he often shopped at ‘The Choc’s Box’. Orpha was surprised and delighted and as the afternoon wore on they laughed and talked easily in each other’s company.
Realising how time had fled, Orpha decided to return home rather than visit the shop. There was always another day. Ashley Rochester said, ‘I insist on walking you home; you are still very pale, Miss Buchanan, and I fear for your safety.’ On their arrival, Ashley whistled softly through his teeth as he gazed up at Buchanan Mansion.
‘What a beautiful house you have,’ he said as they neared the front door, which was opened by Simmons.
‘Please come in, Mr Rochester, and meet my family,’ Orpha smiled.
Over yet more tea in the parlour, the young man was introduced to everyone. Orpha related his heroic action at the railway station and he was inundated with thanks, and then with questions from Abel.
‘Did you see what happened Mr Rochester?’
Ashley nodded, saying, ‘For all the people on the platform waiting, I saw a woman gradually moving forward. The mutters of disgust from others as she pushed her way through was what drew my attention in the first place.’
Abel frowned and asked, ‘Can you remember what she looked like… can you give us a description?’
Ashely nodded. ‘She was a middle-aged woman with brown hair and a fierce scowl!’
Abel instantly knew who it was the young man had described. No one could scowl like Hortense Buchanan!
Ashley Rochester rose to leave and turning to Orpha, he asked, ‘May I call on you again, Miss Buchanan? I would like to assure myself of your well-being.’
Fire burned her cheeks as the blush rose to her hairline and O
rpha nodded shyly. ‘You may, Mr Rochester, although you should be aware I spend most of my time at my work. Running two shops keeps me very busy, as you can imagine.’
After Rochester left, Abel warned the family to be aware. ‘It appears my wife is again showing her evil nature. It is my contention it was Hortense who tried to force Orpha off the platform. However, I will report the incident to the police, therefore diligent observation is imperative to ensure everyone’s safety.’ Glancing at his youngest daughter, Abel felt that, if Mr Rochester had any say, she would be spending less and less time alone.
*
Ashley sat once more in the tea shop congratulating himself. He had read in the newspaper of Orpha Buchanan’s success with her business and after discreet enquiries had discovered she stood to inherit a very large sum of money.
Visiting ‘The Choc’s Box’ in Birmingham, he had been surprised at just how well her business was doing. Having spotted her in the shop, he had followed her home without being seen. He had gagged at the size of the house as he stared from the canal towpath. Keeping watch, he had followed her to the railway station, hoping to find a way of introducing himself. Little did he imagine it would be by saving her from being pushed beneath a steam train.
Smiling inwardly Ashley was pleased he had finally met the woman he had targeted to bring him a fortune. Now all he had to do was marry her and his money worries would be over. Once they were wed, all of Orpha Buchanan’s wealth would come to him by law!
Chapter 38
At the Capital & Counties Bank in Corporation Street, Birmingham, Hortense sat in the office with the manager, Mr Cunningham.
‘I’m very sorry, Mrs Buchanan, but without a letter of authorisation from your husband, we cannot possibly agree to your request,’ the manager said, trying to avoid the woman’s glare.
‘This is ridiculous!’ Hortense snapped, ‘You know who I am! I don’t see what the problem is!’
‘The problem, madam, is that both the emeralds and the money are in your husband’s account, which means… you do not have access to it!’ Mr Cunningham’s calm demeanour changed at the woman’s attitude.
‘My husband will hear of this, sir, you can be sure of it!’ Hortense stood and the cadence in her tone rose.
‘If Mr Buchanan determines I have made an error in judgement, I would be happy to apologise to you both, but for the moment I stand by my decision. If you return with a letter of authorisation signed by your husband I’d be glad to grant your request. I’m sorry I have been unable to help you today… now if you will excuse me… I have another meeting.’ Mr Cunningham rose from his seat, signifying the meeting was at an end.
Hortense’s anger was barely containable as she stamped back to New Street Station. The man had dismissed her! How dare he do that to her! He would give her neither the stones nor the money. After all this time she was no further towards achieving her goal of being a rich widow. Maybe it was time to give up her quest for the emeralds. But then most of her money had been spent on hotels as she continued to dodge the police, for she felt certain they would be on her trail. Maybe she should go cap in hand to Abel, he was her husband after all. The thought was bitter in her mind as she rode the train back to Wolverhampton where she would change her accommodation once more.
*
Over in Birmingham, Orpha was helping out at the shop when the doorbell tinkled. Looking around the line of women waiting to be served, her heart fluttered. Ashley Rochester stood patiently at the end of the line of customers smiling broadly.
The handsome Mr Rochester watched Orpha as she smiled at each person she served. Her green eyes flashed as she finally looked into his brown ones and they smiled a silent greeting.
‘Mr Rochester, how nice to see you again,’ she said quietly.
‘How are you, Orpha, fully recovered I hope?’
The girl flushed at his bold use of her Christian name; it rolled off his tongue so well.
‘I am indeed, thank you for asking,’ she said, suddenly feeling shy in the presence of the serving staff and other customers now entering the shop.
Seeing her eyes swivel to the rapidly filling shop and her discomfort at keeping people waiting, he asked for two boxes of confectionery; one of chocolate and one of fudge. He watched as she deftly tied the boxes together with string, making a small loop at the top as a handle. Paying for his purchase, Ashley hovered before saying, ‘Orpha would you consider having dinner with me this evening?’
‘That would be very nice, thank you Ashley,’ she said, her cheeks flaming red at her own forwardness.
‘Good. I will collect you at eight… you will be home by then I take it?’ His smile disarmed her as she smiled and nodded. ‘Until eight then.’ With a wave he was gone from the shop.
Orpha struggled to concentrate for the next hour and eventually decided to go home and spend a little time with her family before preparing herself for her evening out with the delicious Mr Rochester.
Why did the young man affect her so? She felt the blush rise to her cheeks as she wondered whether she might be married to the man at some point in the future. Orpha felt Peg’s eyes on her as she looked up. Did her sister know what she was thinking? Another blush rising to her hairline, she saw Peg smile. Yes, her sister knew her thoughts. They had been close since the day they first met and nothing had changed.
‘One day,’ Peg said with a knowing smile.
‘Maybe,’ Orpha replied, ‘but not for a while yet. I have plans for my life, Peg, and right now they don’t include a husband or family.’
‘What plans?’ her sister asked.
‘I want to expand the business… I’d like my own factory to make the chocolate to supply the shops… maybe open another couple of shops too!’ Her excitement at the prospect was clear.
‘Whoa! Hold on there, you’ve only just opened in Birmingham, where else were you thinking of having shops?’ However, Peg began to feel caught up in her sister’s excitement.
‘Oh, Wednesbury, Darlaston, Bilston… there are so many towns; it would need some research, but I’m sure I could make it work!’ Orpha was now in full swing. ‘If I opened a factory here or in Birmingham… or both!’
Peg held up her hands, ‘All right… one step at a time!’
‘I have a meeting with Jonathon Peasbody the accountant tomorrow. Peg, why don’t you come with me? It would do you good to get out and you would benefit from the fresh air!’
The girls agreed to the outing the following day and Orpha skipped off to make herself beautiful for her evening out.
*
Ashley Rochester arrived promptly at eight and Orpha was waiting for him. She was dressed in a burgundy velvet suit, the jacket nipped into the waist and the skirt hem rested on the top of her burgundy shoes.
Simmons held the door as Ashley stepped into the house. ‘Madam is in the parlour, sir, if you will follow me.’
Everyone greeted the young man as he walked into the room. Kissing the back of Orpha’s hand, he unwrapped an orchid corsage and placed it on her wrist. ‘I had thought to have dinner at Michelle’s, the new restaurant on Corporation Street, then we could take in the ballet at the Grand Theatre,’ Ashley said.
‘That sounds wonderful!’ Orpha gushed as he took her elbow to lead her from the room.
Looking at Abel, he said, ‘Don’t worry, sir, I will have your daughter home safe and sound by midnight.’
Abel smiled at the quip and watched the couple leave.
Turning to Peg, Abel said, ‘I wonder if I’ll be paying for another wedding before too long?’
‘Quite possibly, Father, but not for a while. Orpha has set her sights on owning her own factory!’ She laughed as her father gasped his surprise.
*
‘You look beautiful,’ Ashley said as he helped Orpha alight the carriage outside the restaurant.
Thanking him, she looked up at the building they were to eat in. It had only recently been opened and she was excited to see inside.
Taking her elbow, he led her inside and they were shown to their table. Wine was ordered and they chatted over the menus before giving their orders.
Orpha looked into the twinkling brown eyes and felt her heart skip a beat. Ashley Rochester was as handsome as the day was long.
They chatted comfortably throughout the meal, Orpha answering his questions about her life and business. She liked that he wanted to know all about her.
Ashley paid the bill and they strolled along to the theatre. He produced the tickets and they were led to a box where they could look down and have a perfect view of the stage.
Orpha was impressed that Ashley had gone to so much trouble to ensure their evening out was a success.
After a few moments the gas lamps on the walls dimmed and the orchestra in the pit began to play. The lamps lighting the stage were turned up and the ballet began. Orpha watched in amazement as the dancers held their bodies rigid whilst standing on the tips of their ballet shoes.
As the music and dancing came to a dramatic close, she caught her breath and her tears welled. Ashley gazed into her eyes seeing the tears making them glitter and sparkle as the wall lamps grew brighter once more.
She laughed as she clapped the performers along with the rest of the audience.
Ashley led her from the theatre to a waiting cab and helped her aboard. All the way home they talked and laughed.
‘Thank you for a wonderful evening,’ Orpha said as the cab stopped outside her home.
‘It was you who made it wonderful, Orpha, please say you will see me again,’ Ashley asked, helping her out of the carriage.
‘I’d like that very much,’ Orpha nodded.
Ashley took her hands in his and turning them he kissed each of her palms. ‘Goodnight, beautiful lady,’ he said quietly.
‘Goodnight Ashley,’ Orpha said on a breath.
*
The Lost Sisters: A gritty saga about friendships, family and finding a place to call home Page 25