The note of sarcasm was not lost on Orpha as she told her mother all about her intended.
‘Rochester, you say?’ Hortense asked.
‘Yes, Mother, Ashley Rochester,’ Orpha confirmed.
Hortense stiffened at the familiar name.
‘Got money has he?’ Hortense was now leading the conversation down the path she wanted it to go.
Orpha explained about the warehouses Ashley had told everyone he owned, and although she was sure he was lying, she kept that to herself.
‘So what does your father make of him?’ Hortense pursued.
‘They get on well, they appear to like each other,’ Orpha said. Now feeling distinctly uncomfortable, Orpha made her excuses and left. She had felt like a child again under her mother’s questioning gaze and she didn’t like it one bit.
On her way home, Orpha thought about their discussion; what her mother’s questions were all about. Then it hit her. Hortense was angling for an invitation to the wedding!
When Orpha had gone, Hortense sat by the fire and her thoughts raced through her mind. Rochester. She knew that name only too well. It was an unusual surname in these parts; could this Ashley Rochester be related to the family she knew many years ago?
With a huge sigh, she thought about Orpha’s relationship with the young Rochester.
It was true she wanted to see the girl fail, but the ramifications of this upcoming wedding could be too great even to think about.
If she was correct in her thinking, and she would need to know for definite, then somehow she had to put a stop to that wedding – and quickly.
*
It had been a week since Ashley had visited Buchanan Mansion and dressed in fine new clothes he wondered if he’d been missed by anyone. He had slipped back into his old life in Birmingham without a problem; the older ladies of the town having paid handsomely for his services. He was now back in Wolverhampton with money in his pocket.
Simmons said the family were in the parlour and led Ashley into said room, saying to Orpha, ‘Will I tell Mrs Jukes there will be one more for dinner, ma’am?’ At her nod, Simmons closed the parlour door behind him.
Orpha greeted her intended, offering him a seat next to her as she silently noted his new attire. Now where had he got the money for those?
‘I was just about to tell everyone my plans for the new shop,’ she said, catching the scowl on Ashley’s face. Ignoring it, she launched into her description of her plans excitedly. ‘Now I’m the outright owner of the two factories and two shops I’m in a financial position to buy the shop on a mortgage facility and have it equipped. I have decided to have a dividing wall built one third of the way into the larger room, which will be the shop. The other two thirds will then become a storage facility for boxes, bags etc., which will leave the other room to be turned into a coffee shop!’
Peg gushed, ‘Oh Orpha, that sounds delightful! Coffee overlooking the wharf… it will be very popular, I’m sure!’
The others were in agreement and Orpha beamed at their praise of her idea.
Abel asked Ashley what he thought of the idea and the young man smiled, saying, ‘Orpha certainly knows what she wants, that’s for sure, and she doesn’t rest until she gets it. Nothing stands in the way of business, does it, sweetheart?’
No one but Orpha picked up on the sarcasm that lay beneath the statement. Ignoring it, Orpha chatted with Peg and Edna about tablecloths and china for the new coffee shop.
As they sat down to dinner, Zachariah made mention of Ashley’s new clothes and Orpha watched his response carefully.
‘Ah yes,’ he said, holding out his arms, ‘I was able to free up some capital at last.’ Ashley had lied through his back teeth, she was sure, and Orpha had seen him do it. She felt her heart sink at Ashley’s bare-faced lie. Now, more than ever, she wanted to know where his money had come from.
With a heavy feeling in her stomach Orpha tried to ignore the blatant untruth. As she watched him talk and laugh with the family, Orpha wondered if she was doing him an injustice. Maybe he had freed up some money. Maybe he was telling the truth. Feeling a little ashamed of herself, Orpha joined in the discussions around the table.
At the front door, Ashley said, ‘So I was gone for a week and you didn’t even miss me.’
‘Of course I did, silly,’ Orpha replied with a smile.
Tightening his arms around her, Ashley leaned down as if to kiss her. Instead he rasped into her face, ‘Don’t you ever call me silly again, do you hear me?’
‘Ashley…’ Orpha struggled to free herself.
Simmons stepped from the morning room, saying, ‘Everything all right, ma’am?’
Orpha nodded with a held breath as Ashley walked out of the front door, her eyes brimming with tears.
Simmons moved to the girl who was mistress of the house and folded his arms around her, producing a spotlessly laundered handkerchief. Neither of them registered the impropriety of the gesture.
Ashley knew if he wanted to lay his hands on her money he should be nice, but the way she constantly put him down was enervating. He was feeling exhausted at keeping up the charade and it showed in his temper.
Deciding to go back to apologise and make his excuses, he strode back up the driveway.
Knocking then flinging the door open, Ashley stared at his fiancé wrapped in the butler’s arms.
‘Oh-oh,’ Simmons said as Ashley turned and stormed away, ‘that’s done it now!’
Orpha tried to hide a smirk as Simmons closed the front door on a rapidly retreating Mr Rochester.
It was later in the kitchen when Simmons explained the situation to the others. ‘Miss Orpha was in tears and I wonder if that man would have slapped her had I not appeared in the nick of time. I’m afraid I overstepped the mark… I gave Miss Orpha a hug.’
‘Simmons! You never…!’ Alice exclaimed as Jago nudged Seth in the ribs and they tittered.
‘Oh my Lord!’ Beulah Jukes lifted her hand to her mouth.
‘However, that’s not all…’ Simmons continued as the staff watched him, ‘Ashley Rochester walked back into the house and saw us.’
‘Bloody hell Simmons! What were you thinking?’ Beulah asked incredulously.
‘I couldn’t bear to see her cry.’ Simmons lowered his eyes to his teacup.
‘Simmons…’ Beulah began as the butler looked at her, ‘Don’t tell me… Oh Christ Simmons! You’re sweet on the mistress!’
He nodded, making his dark hair bounce and his eyes glistened in the lamplight. Then he said, ‘I am, Beulah. I know it could never be between us, but it doesn’t stop me feeling the way I do about her. I love her, Beulah, and I’ll see no harm come to her!’
The stable boys ceased their giggles as they looked at their mentor, the man who protected them and showed them the ways of the house. Alice and Beulah exchanged a look then Alice said, ‘Mr Simmons, beggin’ your pardon, but you must be in your thirties… you’re a lot older than the mistress.’
Simmons nodded. Beulah let out a gasp, saying, ‘Age has nothing to do with it, you soft girl! She is the mistress and he…’ the cook jabbed a finger at Simmons, ‘…is the butler! It just ain’t done!’
Lifting a hand to quieten the cook’s fury, Simmons spoke quietly. ‘The hug I gave the mistress was in no way improper, Beulah.’ The boys giggled again and shooting them a desultory look, he went on, ‘It was a hug of friendship; a hug to let her know we all care about her, and to let her know she is not alone.’
‘That’s what her family is for!’ Beulah shook her head.
‘I know and I will offer my resignation to the mistress when she returns.’ Simmons sighed loudly.
‘Don’t be so daft!’ Beulah snapped. ‘She wouldn’t accept it and, anyway, where would we be if you weren’t here?’
‘Well I wouldn’t be answering the bloody door… I do enough around this place!’ Alice huffed, sending them all into fits of laughter.
‘So what do you think Mr Rochester will do ab
out it?’ Jago asked.
‘I have no idea,’ Simmons said, ‘but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.’
*
Orpha was making her way to the kitchen when she heard the staff talking. They were discussing her and Ashley! Stopping in her tracks, she listened to the whole conversation before retreating to the parlour to mull over what she’d overheard. Simmons said he loved her! The butler was in love with his mistress! Thinking back to the hug he’d given when she was so upset, Orpha was certain it was the comfort given a friend. There was nothing more to it, but she felt sure Ashley would not see it that way. Orpha determined to clear the air with her fiancé regarding this, as well as his living in a hovel the very next time they met.
*
After storming home, Ashley sat by his fire wondering what the hell was going on. He’d gone back into the house to apologise to Orpha and found her in the arms of the butler! Were they having an affair? It sounded like a seedy novel… wealthy heiress sleeps with the hired help! He needed to find out, and quickly. He had no intention of marrying a woman who had given herself to another. Calming himself, he knew he couldn’t be so choosy. He had to swallow his pride and get on with making her his wife.
Watching the flames in the hearth, he thought about his life of the past week. Had he not done just that? Had he not given himself to another… a few others in fact? Had he not been paid for doing so? Justifying his behaviour, he reasoned it was different for a man. It could be seen as sowing his last free wild oats before being married. Besides, didn’t men still take a mistress after marriage? It was perfectly acceptable for men in this day and age to do just that. However, it was not the done thing for a woman. She would most certainly be seen as a hussy!
With his temper flaring again, Ashley made up his mind to confront Orpha on the issue the next time he visited… and he would visit the next time he was hungry.
Chapter 46
Orpha did not expect to see Ashley for a little while and she was not disappointed in this, so she set her mind to organising the new structure.
Zachariah had found a reputable builder who was busy erecting the dividing wall. Orpha and Peg, leaving young Ralph in Edna’s care, had gone to choose tables, chairs, table linen and china for the coffee shop. Once the wall was erected, then cleaning and painting could begin. A new sign was ordered for the shop and Orpha was delighted at how quickly everything was coming together.
On the way home, Orpha suggested, ‘Let’s stop off at Derry Street and see Mother.’ Peg was horrified at the idea at first, but when Orpha explained how much Hortense had changed, she relented.
Walking to the house, Peg asked, ‘Why did you buy the house for her?’
‘Oh Peg, you should have seen her! She was half starved and dressed in rags, I couldn’t walk away and forget about her!’ Orpha’s voice caught as she remembered the state Hortense had been in that day.
‘I would have!’ her sister spat.
‘No you wouldn’t, Peg, for all she’s done to us, neither of us would have left her to go into the workhouse or die on the street.’ Orpha cast a glance at her sister as they entered the house.
Hortense looked up at her daughters and said, ‘Well now, Miss High and Mighty deigns to visit today then!’
Peg walked to her mother, slapped her soundly across the face, turned on her heel and walked out.
Hortense forced her tears to fall as Orpha said, ‘Mother, you did rather ask for that.’
‘I suppose I did,’ Hortense said quietly, ‘I was just so… so surprised to see her.’
‘Well I don’t think you’ll be seeing her again for a very long time, if at all,’ Orpha said as she sat next to her mother. ‘Why do you do it? Why do you have to alienate everyone?’
Hortense shook her head then wiped her eyes. ‘I just want to be part of the family again.’
So that was it! ‘Well,’ Orpha said, ‘that’s definitely not the way to go about it!’
*
That very evening, Ashley arrived dressed to the nines.
Simmons opened the front door and stood aside as Ashley stepped in. Dropping his gloves into his hat, he shoved them at the butler and with a scowl he hissed into his face, ‘I don’t know what’s going on in this house, but I intend to find out. Now my advice to you is… stay away from Orpha. You touch her again and I’ll kill you!’ Ashley marched away to the parlour as Simmons quietly closed the front door. Opening the cloakroom door, he threw the hat on the floor before slamming the door and going back to the kitchen.
All smiles again, Ashley kissed Orpha’s cheek in greeting and she whispered, ‘We must talk later.’ Nodding, he moved to greet the rest of the family.
Simmons stood at the side of the dining room while Alice served the food. Having told the others of the threat made to him, each had decided their own retribution. Alice served the soup and slipped, spilling the contents of the dish on Ashley’s new trousers. Passing him the napkin, she muttered her apologies and moved away, giving Simmons a sly wink as she did so.
Simmons poured the wine, only half filling Ashley’s glass before moving to fill Orpha’s. He felt the glare on him as he smiled down at his mistress.
Alice cleared the soup dishes and brought in the main meal. Beulah had served straight onto the plates, which everyone thought strange, but a good idea to keep the food hot. No comments were made other than it was delicious as always.
Ashley almost gagged on his food… it was smothered in pepper. He emptied his wine glass in an effort to relieve the burning in his throat.
Orpha motioned for Simmons to refill everyone’s glass and she watched Ashley drain his once more. Orpha gave an imperceptible shake of her head as Simmons stepped forward. ‘Ashley, would you care for some water?’ At his nod, Orpha flashed Simmons a glance and, in that instant, when their eyes met, Orpha knew what the staff were up to. A very slight smile lifted the corners of her mouth before she covered it with her napkin.
Individual bowls of trifle followed and Orpha wondered what would be wrong with Ashely’s until she saw his eyes water. ‘Too much sherry, darling?’ she asked as Ashley dabbed his eyes.
‘No… no, it’s delicious, sweetheart, it’s just… it went down the wrong way.’ Ashley began to cough as Simmons refilled his water glass. Looking up at the butler, Ashley saw the satisfied smile and his temper began to rise.
The rest of the family moved to the parlour and Ashley steered Orpha in the direction of the gardens. Once outside, he snapped, ‘Your bloody staff are trying to kill me!’
‘Ashley! Whatever do you mean?’ Orpha feigned ignorance.
‘That food! Meat laced in pepper, soup on my trousers, trifle floating in sherry!’ He gagged.
‘No one else complained, Ashley, I suspect you are making too much of it.’ Orpha strolled down the pathway that skirted the lawns.
Grabbing her arm, Ashley whirled her to face him. ‘And another thing… what’s going on with you and that butler?’
‘Ashley Rochester!’ Orpha fumed. ‘How dare you accuse me of such a thing?!’
‘I saw you, Orpha! I saw you in his arms, remember?’ Ashley yanked her arm.
Pulling away from him, she said, ‘He was comforting me… I was upset at your aberrant behaviour!’
‘Oh Orpha, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you,’ he said cautiously as he realised his temper was getting the better of him again.
Her anger was fierce as she continued, ‘You are no saint, Ashley… you lied to me!’
‘What makes you think that?’ he asked.
‘You do not live in a fancy house… I know you are living in a hovel! I know you have no capital to draw on and my question now is… how did you afford those new clothes?’ Orpha was beside herself with rage and her hands clenched at her sides.
‘My father’s house has fallen into some disrepair, I have to admit.’ Ashley’s brain worked furiously. ‘Unfortunately my warehouses have not provided enough income to rectify this as yet. As for my cl
othes, I thought it time to replenish my wardrobe as I’ve neglected it of late; I drew the money from my inheritance stored in the bank.’
‘Oh Ashley…’ Orpha’s anger evaporated as she heard his explanation. ‘I’m so sorry.’
Wrapping her in his arms, he smiled in the darkness.
*
Throughout the whole exchange, Simmons had stood in the shadows, his eyes never leaving the flashes of Orpha’s green ones lit by the moonlight.
Armed with pencils and notebooks Jago Morton and Seth Walker, the stable boys, entered St. Matthew’s Street from either end and walked towards the centre. This was where Ashley Rochester purported to have a string of warehouses. All the buildings were grimy with the coal dust from the coal pits. The windows were dirty from years of street traffic kicking up dust and mud. Hardly any of the premises looked to be in use.
Dressed in their best clothing, they had been instructed to ask anyone they met about hiring the warehouses on their mistress’s behalf.
Seeing a small shop selling tobacco a little way down the street, Jago entered and asked the shopkeeper about the warehouses.
‘No lad,’ the woman said, ‘those buildings ain’t seen no use for many a year; not since old man Rochester died.’ Jago thanked the woman and left the shop. Noting down what he’d been told, he walked further down the street. The road was long and straight with buildings on both sides and he could see Seth at the far end.
Seth Walker had also asked the same questions in a tiny grocery shop and had received the same answers. He too noted down the information he was given.
Comparing notes in the centre of the street, it became obvious that Ashley Rochester had again lied through his teeth.
Jago walked to the filthy window of one of the buildings and took out his handkerchief. Spitting on the cloth, he rubbed a small section of the glass clean. Peering through, he could see it was dark but he could also see it was quite empty. This was the proof they were looking for. It was time to let Simmons know what they had discovered.
The boys imparted the knowledge to the butler in the kitchen after dinner.
The Lost Sisters: A gritty saga about friendships, family and finding a place to call home Page 30