The Lost Sisters: A gritty saga about friendships, family and finding a place to call home

by Lindsey Hutchinson

  Once the family were settled in the parlour with drinks, Simmons and Alice related the sharpness of Ashley’s words to the other staff. They all agreed there was something definitely amiss regarding Mr Rochester and it was Alice who pointed out the obvious.

  ‘Have you ever noticed… he always wears the same clothes?’

  Simmons nodded, his mind ticking over in measured beats.

  Alice went on, ‘Anyone would think he had nothing else to wear!’

  The cook and the butler exchanged a quick glance and the stable boys looked up from their dinner. ‘I wonder…’ Beulah Jukes said.

  ‘It’s possible,’ Simmons interrupted as Jago, Alice and Seth looked from one to the other.

  ‘What?’ Alice asked.

  ‘Maybe those clothes are all he has. Maybe he doesn’t have the means to buy more,’ Simmons said quietly.

  ‘Ar, but he owns a string of warehouses though,’ Alice added.

  ‘That’s as maybe,’ Simmons put in, ‘so why is he always in the same clothes and why does he walk everywhere? Why does he not have a carriage or least a horse?’

  ‘I’d love to know more about him,’ Beulah said as she dolloped more potatoes onto Jago’s plate. Seeing Seth eye the food, she smiled doing the same for him and watched them tuck in hungrily.

  ‘Well…’ said Simmons.

  ‘Oh Blimey!’ Alice snorted. ‘Sherlock Holmes again is it?’ Laughter rang out in the kitchen as Simmons shook his head at the forthright young girl.

  After their meal, Simmons instructed the two stable boys to be ready to follow Ashley when he left Buchanan Mansion. He wanted to know more about the man, and discovering exactly where he lived would be the first step.

  Closing the door on the departing man, Simmons rushed down to the kitchen and shoved the boys out of the back door, whispering, ‘Now remember – stay out of sight!’ Before the night was out they would know just a little more about Ashley Rochester.

  Two hours later, Jago and Seth rushed back into the kitchen out of breath, having run all the way back from Ettingshall Road. Dragging in great lungsful of air, Jago spluttered, ‘Mr Simmons, you won’t believe it!’

  Settling the boys with tea, Alice and Beulah joined them at the table, heads pushed forward to hear the news.

  Now with even breath, Jago went on, ‘Mr Rochester lives in Ettingshall Road…’

  Seth finished his friend’s sentence with, ‘In a hovel!’ The boys smiled at each other. Had the staff not known better, the boys might have been taken for twins.

  ‘Bloody hell!’ Alice gasped. ‘Who would have thought it?’

  ‘We did wonder, did we not?’ Simmons nodded slowly. ‘The question now is, what do we do with this knowledge? Do we stay quiet and keep our noses out of upstairs business? Or do we tell the mistress what we know and risk being in the dog house for interfering?’ Simmons looked at the shaking heads as silence descended in the kitchen.

  Chapter 44

  Orpha decided it was time to engage a solicitor, so making her way into town she headed for Walsall Street. Albert Hayes was a kindly-looking man, short in stature with hair that was dark but peppered with grey. Orpha sat opposite Mr Hayes and explained why she was there. ‘I am shortly to be married and I have no wish to give up the business I’ve worked so hard for and become just a housewife. I would be bored to death sitting at home with nothing to fill my time.’

  Thinking on the matter a while, Albert said, ‘You could ask your husband-to-be to sign a formal waver to your estate.’

  Orpha shook her head, saying, ‘It is most unlikely Ashley would sign such a document, what man would? He would be a fool to do so. However, after all my hard work, I would be a fool to just hand it all over once married.’

  The solicitor agreed and suggested she leave it with him; he would draw up a document whereby after marriage, Orpha would retain the rights to her property as well as her money. ‘You will need to revisit later in the week to read and sign the document, which will be witnessed by myself and my clerk. I will warn you, however that if it comes to the put-to, the document might not stand up in court, but it is the best I can do for you.’

  Satisfied, Orpha left the office having made an appointment for later in the week. Walking back to Oxford Street, she determined she would tell no one of her meeting with Albert Hayes or of the document she aimed to sign to retain her wealth.

  Walking towards ‘The Choc’s Box’, Orpha was amazed to see a line of women waiting patiently to get into the shop. Thinking no one had opened up, she swept through to the door amidst grumbles of, ‘Some people have no manners!’ ‘There is a queue you know!’ Orpha apologised as she pushed through into the shop itself, seeing it crowded with jostling women.

  ‘Thank God you’re here!’ Joan said as Orpha threw off her coat and donned an apron. Standing behind the counter, Orpha helped out serving the next person in line.

  All day they served and shelves were restacked with freshly made produce. By the end of the day, Orpha locked up and they all sat in the back room with tea.

  ‘What a busy day!’ Orpha remarked. Seeing Joan, Hilda and Ann exchange a look she asked, ‘What?’

  Joan explained, ‘Every day is the same! We are hard-pushed to keep the counter and shelves stocked and be able to serve as well.’

  ‘I see!’ Orpha’s eyebrows raised in surprise. ‘I had no idea! Would it help if we had another shop…? I do know of a property going begging in Commercial Road.’

  ‘Too bloody right it would help!’ Joan said, rubbing her aching feet. The others agreed, explaining they were not afraid of the hard work, but every day they were run ragged. They said Lottie was aware of it and had promised to inform Orpha at the next meeting.

  Orpha said, ‘Right. I’ll speak with Mr Belcher regarding the empty property.’

  Ashley Rochester had joined them again later for dinner and Orpha related her experience at the shop. ‘I couldn’t believe how busy it was, we didn’t rest until the shop closed! This can’t go on, the women are exhausted! Therefore I am to view an empty property tomorrow. If suitable, I intend to purchase it and open it as soon as possible.’

  Peg asked, ‘Orpha, what about the wedding? You really should be concentrating on that rather than business right now.’ Edna nodded her agreement.

  ‘No!’ Orpha snapped. She was tired and she resented what she saw as Peg’s interference, but seeing the hurt on her sister’s face she softened. ‘Peg, I’m sorry I snapped at you, but this has to come first! The women are exhausted, I do not want them being ill from overwork! I have to lessen their workload, and this is the only way I can do it!’ Orpha looked at Ashley for his support, but he merely scowled at her and shook his head. Why was he not supporting her in this?

  Looking at Zachariah and her father, she saw them nod their heads. At least they understood what she was faced with. Ezzie gave her a reassuring smile that he was also on her side.

  ‘Well,’ she said at last, ‘I’ve made my decision… and that’s that!’ This particular conversation was brought to a swift close.

  Watching Ashley carefully, Orpha silently fumed as she listened to everyone’s daily news and he joined in the conversations as though the contretemps had not even taken place. Baby Ralph was doing so well; Ezzie’s boat business had really picked up, so much so in fact he was considering buying another boat to add to the line. Zachariah and Abel were kept busy in their business consulting work and Edna and Peg were loving spending their time together with the baby.

  Ashley looked from one to the other as comments were made but he deliberately avoided Orpha’s eyes which he knew burned into him with hurt and frustration.

  Saying his goodnights to the family, Ashley walked to the front door with Orpha.

  ‘Why, Ashley?’ she asked suddenly. ‘Why did you not back me in there?’ She swung her head towards the dining room.

  ‘Why?’ Ashley rasped. ‘I’ll tell you why!’ His voice rose as he shouted, ‘‘would you see opening another sh
op take precedence over our marriage vows?’

  Orpha stared at the man she was to marry before she shouted back, ‘That will not be the case, Ashley, and well you know it!’

  ‘Is that so?’ Ashley yelled. ‘First it was the factory, now it’s the shop, what will it be next? Maybe more premises in another town? If you are having second thoughts about marrying me, Orpha, why don’t you just tell me? Think on this, Miss Buchanan… I will not wait forever!’ Ashley left, slamming the door behind him, leaving Orpha staring with open mouth.

  ‘Miss Orpha… ma’am are you all right?’ Simmons had heard every word from the doorway to the parlour where he was checking the fire was roaring. It was all he could do to contain the anger he felt at the man who had shouted at the young woman he had feelings for.

  Facing the butler, Orpha nodded.

  ‘Miss Orpha… if you could find a minute… I don’t wish to add to your troubles, but the staff would like a word… and now might be a good time.’ Simmons turned in the direction of the kitchen and Orpha quietly followed behind him, still feeling shocked at her fiancé’s outburst.

  *

  Ashley had stormed from the house, not in anger but with a smile on his face. He would be master in his own home and was already laying the foundation stones. He had left Orpha shocked; now she would realise he would not be messed about. He decided he would not visit her for a few days, which would give her time to think about their relationship. She would come to her senses about trying to make him play second fiddle to a shop! Orpha had no idea where he lived, so he felt safe in the knowledge she would not come looking for him and turn up on his doorstep. Just as well, he thought, as he approached the hovel he resided in. However, it would not be for much longer.

  Once inside, he changed out of his good clothes and, again having nothing to burn in the cold dark grate, he climbed into bed to think about his good fortune.

  Lying in the dark, Ashley knew his cupboards were bare, he had used the last of the coal pickings and he had no money. Maybe it was time to earn himself a few guineas in Birmingham with the rich ladies he had once courted for their money. Having been a highly sought after escort to wealthy widows wanting an outing to the theatre, he had soon learned to extend his business into their bedrooms and had been well paid for his efforts. When he had needed new clothes he knew his ‘ladies’ would provide, after all having a handsome young man at one’s side drew envious glances from all their friends. Yes, Ashley Rochester would soon be back in the business of parting wealthy older women from their money with choice words and promises of lovemaking like they had never before known.

  *

  Orpha sat in the kitchen with the staff and listened to what Simmons was telling her. He spoke quietly. ‘The stable boys followed Mr Rochester to his home in Ettingshall Road. It was a ruin. We all know this is none of our business and, although we are only staff, we have been made to feel like family. We all adore you, ma’am, and we wish only to protect and support you. I must apologise for overhearing your conversation with Mr Rochester earlier but I was not deliberately eavesdropping.’ He crossed his fingers behind his back in the hope the white lie would not be brought into question.

  Alice piped up, ‘We’m sorry, miss, really we am… is… are!’

  Orpha smiled at Alice’s search for the correct grammar before saying, ‘I had also noticed that Ashley has worn the same clothes for months now and I had considered whether he was just down on his luck or, in fact, destitute!’

  The staff watched the nuances of emotion play over the girl’s face before she added, ‘I will tell you this, and it must NOT leave this kitchen!’ Seeing the nods of affirmation, she went on, ‘I have today visited a solicitor. Mr Rochester will not be getting his hands on my estate after the wedding should that be his ploy.’

  Beulah Jukes could hold her tongue no longer, ‘If you think that’s what he’s up to… why marry him?’

  Orpha sighed as she ignored the question ‘Don’t worry about me please, I’m glad you cared enough to tell me what you knew, and I’m not angry – far from it. Thank you all for your concern, and I would be most grateful if this stays between us.’

  Orpha left the kitchen to retire to her bed. So, Ashley Rochester had no money, and he lived in a ruined house. Did he have a string of warehouses as he purported? Was he only after her money? Did he love her at all? Questions flooded her mind as Orpha climbed into bed. Well, there was only one way to find out… she would ask him!

  Chapter 45

  Orpha stamped down Commercial Road the next morning still feeling upset and hurt at Ashley’s behaviour towards her the previous evening as well as the news given to her by the servants. At one end of the road was a smithy, at the other end was Union Wharf. With small wharfs all down one side of the road, buildings lined the other. There were two schools and a few public houses and the building she looked for was opposite one of the schools. It was a huge structure with large domed windows looking out towards Waterloo Wharf and its basin. Unlocking the side door, Orpha stepped inside and flung open the window shutters. Dust motes danced in the air and twinkled in the light that flooded the room.

  Walking the length of the room, a connecting door took her into a smaller room. Opening the shutters, Orpha knew immediately it would make an excellent shop. It was very well suited to her business and looking around she discovered a lavatory and a room which would serve as a scullery. She couldn’t have been more pleased, so closing the shutters and locking the door behind her, Orpha Buchanan walked back to Belcher & Son to close the deal on her new shop.

  Lottie Spence reported for their weekly meeting and Orpha gave the good news about the shop in Commercial Road.

  ‘Are you able to find some girls to give the place a thorough clean, whilst I organise equipment to be delivered?’ Lottie nodded. ‘I proposed to move Joan and Hilda to the new building to train staff in the first instance, so we’ll need to hire new shop girls to stand in for them in the Oxford Street shop. Once the new shop is up and running I would like Joan to manage the Birmingham shop. Hilda will manage the Oxford Street shop and Ann will manage the new one in Commercial Road, if you are in agreement.’ She also disclosed to her trusted friend she would be on the lookout for a new factory premises.

  Orpha Buchanan knew she had risen fast in the world of men; she provided work, she paid her bills on time and found herself well-liked by the businessmen she dealt with. She had long ago learned not to back down where these men were concerned and she had gained a good reputation as a wily but fair businesswoman. There were those, of course, who still felt women should not be in business but should stay at home and raise a family. Orpha simply dismissed these archaic notions, and once set on an idea she became an immovable force.

  On her way to Derry Street to visit her mother, Orpha considered herself to be extremely fortunate. She had good friends and a loyal staff and a dedicated workforce. She had ensured her mother had a roof over her head and food in her belly. Now she had to find a way to confront Ashley Rochester!

  *

  Hortense Buchanan sat staring into the fire. They were all up at the big house and she was left in this poky hole alone. Misery and loneliness folded around her as she considered her lot. She should have more than this. She should be mistress of a big house with servants of her own. Instead she was reduced to being beholden to her daughter. Hortense snorted as she had thought she would never see the day that happened!

  Envy began to mount inside her once more as she thought about her daughter’s success. Shaking her head, she realised that success would never have been achieved had she not thrown Orpha out of Buchanan House. What was it the girl had said, ‘You reap what you sow!’

  Hortense had Orpha truly believing she had been brought down to her cake and milk and she intended it should remain that way. She had formulated a new plan. She would play the victim a while longer and slowly worm her way back into the family fold. Once firmly ensconced, she would take over the running of that household a
nd its servants. She would be the matriarch of Buchanan Mansion! Once she was in there then she could work at removing the others.

  The town grapevine had revealed Orpha was planning to be married in the summer and Hortense wondered whether she would be invited. It was unlikely, she thought; Abel would not want her in the same vicinity let alone the same room as his family.

  Bastard! she thought again as she relived his throwing her out onto the streets. Shovelling more coal onto the fire, she knew she would have her day, she just had to be patient a little while longer.

  *

  Hortense feigned pleasure at seeing her daughter and Orpha explained about the new shop as they sat drinking tea by the fire.

  ‘You are a very lucky young woman, I hope you realise that,’ Hortense said a little unkindly.

  ‘I do, Mother,’ Orpha ignored the jibe.

  Hortense harrumphed in a way Orpha remembered well from her childhood. ‘As long as you do.’ Hortense always insisted on having the last word.

  Orpha asked how Hortense was settling into the house and caught the sneer on Hortense’s face before a forced smile replaced it. ‘The house is fine,’ her mother said, ‘if a little quiet.’

  ‘You should get out more now the better weather is coming,’ Orpha added.

  Hortense merely nodded, not taking her eyes from the fire. ‘I hear you are to be married.’

  ‘Yes,’ Orpha said, wondering how her mother had discovered that snippet of news, because as far as she knew she never went out of the door. ‘At St. George’s Church in the summer.’

  ‘I hope he’s worthy enough to be included in the family,’ Hortense muttered.