The Forgotten Family (17 page)

The evening of the party arrived. The house was full of guests; some were staying, while others, who lived locally, were returning to their own homes later. They were using the ballroom, which was festooned with flowers. Ellie’s dress was the palest of blue, making her eyes shine like sapphires in contrast.

Taking her place beside her father, they gazed at the portrait of her mother, surrounded by garlands of yellow roses, her favourite flowers. She couldn’t help wondering where her father had got them at this time of year, but then, he was a man who seemed to be able to manage anything he set out to do. It was only because of him that they had made as much progress as they had in finding her other family.

She tore her eyes away from the portrait, determined
not to be sad on this evening, because her mother would not have liked that. Ellie knew that some frowned on the idea of such a celebration so soon after the bereavement, but neither Ellie nor her father cared what people thought, knowing that Mary had insisted they mark this birthday with music and laughter.

Ellie and her father awaited the arrival of their guests. The musicians were already in place, and a sumptuous buffet was laid out at one end of the ballroom.

‘It’s perfect, Father, thank you.’ She stifled a giggle. ‘Look at Nanny sitting in state where she can see everything. I’m so pleased she is well enough to attend.’

‘Nothing would have kept her away.’ Albert laid his hand on top of his daughter’s. ‘Did you enjoy your ride yesterday afternoon?’

‘Yes, James is an excellent horseman, and with Philip, we had a good gallop. James wanted to see as much of the estate as possible.’

‘Didn’t Ted and Stanley Rogers go with you as well?’

There was a gleeful look in her eyes. ‘They are as bad as each other on a horse, so we left them to go at their own pace – very slowly. They can trot along quite happily now, but Ted hasn’t the breath to gallop because he’s too busy asking Mr Rogers questions. I think he’s trying to improve his education.’

‘He has a thirst for knowledge, I believe.’ Albert changed the subject. ‘Have you seen Maggie since she arrived?’

‘No.’ The animation drained from Ellie’s face. ‘She has no wish to see me, but I know she’s been talking to Ted, so perhaps he can change her mind.’

‘You mustn’t let it upset you, my dear. It’s been a happy outcome with Pearl, Jack and Ted, hasn’t it?’

Ellie’s smile was back in place. ‘It will be lovely to have them all here this evening. Our family is growing, Father.’

‘Indeed it is.’

His dry tone made her laugh. Just then the first guests were announced.

‘Oh, doesn’t Mrs Montague look wonderful,’ Ellie whispered. ‘That royal blue is perfect for her.’ Ellie suddenly looked worried. ‘I told Pearl and the others not to be concerned that they can’t afford to dress in the latest fashion.’

‘I’m sure they won’t be.’ Albert turned her attention to the door.

She gasped when she saw Pearl glide in wearing a lovely pale gold gown. ‘And look at Dave, Jack and Ted. They are as elegant as you.’ She looked up at him. ‘Or almost. Now, how do you think they managed that, Father?’

He merely smiled.

‘You really are a very kind man.’ She squeezed his arm. ‘You’ve made sure that they don’t feel out of place.’

The first guests had almost reached them, but Ellie’s gaze was fixed on her brothers and sister, nearly crying in delight when another girl stepped out from behind them. ‘Maggie,’ she whispered. ‘Why didn’t you tell me she was coming?’

‘We weren’t sure she would. Augusta and I have been trying to persuade her all afternoon. That is one of Augusta’s gowns she’s wearing.’

Ellie wanted to dance around in joy, but she had to
remain composed. However, a gurgle of delight escaped. ‘This is rather unconventional, with servants attending the same function as their mistress, and working-class children mingling with the titled and wealthy.’

‘Yes, isn’t it? But you forget that Nanny has always been included in our celebrations, and she is considered a servant by some.’

‘I’ve never thought of her like that.’

‘Neither have I. She is one of the family.’

When Maggie reached them, Ellie clasped her hand. ‘Thank you for coming. I am so happy to see you here.’

‘I shouldn’t have come.’ Maggie glanced around, anxiously. ‘But madam insisted.’

It hurt to know that her sister was only here because Mrs Montague had ordered her to. ‘I hope you will enjoy the evening, anyway. But you don’t have to stay if you feel uncomfortable. I’ll explain to Mrs Montague.’

‘Don’t be daft, Maggie.’ Pearl caught hold of her arm, as her sister made to rush from the room. ‘Ellie’s our sister, and Mr Warrender wouldn’t have invited us if we weren’t welcome.’

‘That is so,’ Albert said. ‘And I shall expect you to save me a dance later, Maggie.’

‘Erm …’ Her gaze skittered back and forth between them. ‘You can’t dance with me, sir. It wouldn’t be right.’

‘Who says so?’

‘Well … convention. It’s not done, sir. I’m a servant.’

‘And this is my house. I can do what I damned well like.’

Maggie laughed then. ‘Yes, sir, I guess you can.’

As Ellie watched the change in her sister’s expression,
she marvelled at the wisdom of her father. Once again, he had known exactly the right thing to say to put Maggie at her ease. She wished she had been able to see him in action in Parliament; it must have been something to behold.

‘Please stay,’ she urged. ‘The others are pleased to see you. Enjoy yourself with them.’

Maggie hesitated. ‘I’m glad things turned out well for you.’

‘I have been very fortunate.’

When Pearl led Maggie away to join the others, including James and Mr Rogers, Albert signalled to the musicians. ‘Time to start the dancing, my dear.’

They moved gracefully to the music, and that was the sign for everyone else to join in the dancing. The celebration was under way.

‘Maggie will come around in time.’ Albert looked down at his daughter’s upturned face. ‘Forcing her to come was clever of Augusta, don’t you think?’

Ellie nodded. ‘Mrs Montague doesn’t appear to be at all stuffy.’

‘Our situation is unusual, and she understands that. She saw how much it means to you, and she has a kind heart, I believe.’

‘I’ve caused you a great deal of trouble, haven’t I, Father?’

‘Yes, you have,’ he confirmed cheerfully. ‘And I’ve loved every minute of every year since you arrived.’ He lowered his head so only she could hear. ‘I would have hated a daughter who didn’t have an independent spirit.’

‘And I’ve always had that.’ Ellie giggled as she remembered the many scrapes she had been in.

The floor was crowded with couples and they stopped to mingle with the guests. Ellie headed towards James, Philip, and her brothers and sisters, who all looked as if they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

‘When do we eat?’ Jack grinned at Ellie when she reached them. ‘I’ve never seen so much grub in my life.’

‘I believe I have to cut my cake in about an hour, but you can help yourself now if you’re hungry.’

‘Oh, no, you can’t, Jack,’ Maggie scolded. ‘You must wait for the proper time. Don’t encourage him, Queenie.’

Ellie’s heart leapt with pleasure at the natural way Maggie had just spoken to her. Ted winked at her and bowed. ‘Would you have this dance with me, Eleanor?’

‘I would be delighted, sir.’ She made a mess of a curtsy, causing them to roar in delight.

‘Don’t worry about Maggie,’ Ted said, when they were dancing. ‘We’re making it our task to bring her back into the family fold. She always was very proper, and working for a lady like Mrs Montague has made her even more so, but she’s always been a kind girl.’ He held Ellie away, looking fondly at her. ‘Have you noticed that Stan can’t keep his eyes off her?’

‘Stan?’ Ellie frowned.

‘Your tutor.’

‘Oh.’ She peered through the crowd to where they were all sitting. ‘Do you think he’s taken with Maggie?’

Ted nodded. ‘It looks like it, and her with him.’

‘That’s wonderful.’ Ellie spun round in delight, and then carried on dancing. ‘He’s a very nice man.’

‘Don’t I know it. He’s been teaching me all sorts of things I didn’t know about the history of this country. He makes it all so interesting.’

‘That’s how Philip and I feel about him.’

‘I’m surprised you’re still having lessons. At eighteen most girls have finished their education long ago.’

‘I know, but I have a deep curiosity for everything, and I’m keeping Philip company in the schoolroom. And Father thinks it will keep me out of trouble.’

‘If you’re still anything like the little girl I knew, and I think you are, then he has a difficult task on his hands.’ Ted chuckled as he remembered.

‘I know, but he has infinite patience, and is very forgiving of my misdemeanours.’

‘Brothers shouldn’t dance with their sisters.’ James interrupted them, reaching for Ellie. ‘My dance, I believe.’

‘All right, James.’ Ted stepped away from his sister. ‘But I’ll expect you to accompany me to the new land tomorrow and give me some helpful tips on management.’

‘That’s a promise.’

When they were dancing Ellie gave James a curious glance. ‘You seem to be very friendly with my brother?’

‘He’s eager to do a good job for your father.’ He tipped his head on one side. ‘Stanley told me Ted’s a wizard with figures, so we tested him this morning, and do you know, he beat me every time with the calculations. He has a sharp mind.’

‘I know, and it’s so wonderful to see him happy. He wasn’t when we found him.’

‘So I believe, but you can rest easy, Eleanor, he’s going
to be all right from now on. I’m a fairly good judge of character.’

‘So is my father,’ Ellie told James. ‘He saw good in him from the first.’ 

It made Albert happy to see Eleanor having fun as she danced past with James, waving happily to him. He’d been sick with fear in case she turned away from him in disgust, but that hadn’t happened. In fact, if anything, they were closer than ever.

Relaxed now the evening was under way, Albert bowed to Augusta. ‘Would you care to dance?’

‘I would love to.’

She was an excellent dancer, but that was only to be expected. Augusta Montague was an elegant woman, with many accomplishments, he was sure. As he spun his partner round, he saw Josh arriving, late as usual.

When the dance finished he introduced Augusta to his friend, and when Henry took her off for another dance, he said, ‘Any news, Josh?’

‘That’s why I’m late. Is there somewhere we can talk?’

‘The library should be empty, but I’d like Ted to hear what you’ve got to say. He is the eldest of the Bonners.’

‘Do they know about their brother yet?’

‘Eleanor is the only one who knows, and I’ve asked her not to say anything. I’ll do that. You know where the library is, Josh, I’ll be with you in a moment.’

Albert weaved his way through the crowd to where Ted was. ‘I need to take Ted away for a moment,’ he told his daughter. ‘But I promise not to keep him long.’

When they reached the library, Josh had helped himself to a brandy, and was sitting comfortably in one of the deep, leather armchairs.

‘Ted, this is Joshua Hargreaves. He’s a lawyer and a good friend of mine.’

They shook hands, but Ted was looking puzzled.

‘We’ve traced Tommy,’ Albert explained without wasting any time. ‘But I’m afraid the news isn’t good. He’s in gaol for robbery with violence. A shopkeeper nearly died, and he’s been sentenced to ten years.’

‘Oh, hell!’ Ted exploded. ‘He always did have a nasty temper.’

‘I saw that for myself when I visited him. Let’s all sit down, shall we?’ When they were settled, he continued. ‘Tommy gave me two names of men he said were with him, saying they were the real culprits. He gave me two different versions of the robbery, so I’m not sure what to believe.’

Ted grimaced. ‘He could also spin a good yarn as well. You were right to have doubts.’

‘I thought it wise to ask Josh if he could find out anything.’ Albert turned his attention to his friend. ‘I hope you have good news?’

‘I’m afraid not.’ Josh shook his head. ‘I’ve had a talk with the man who was in charge of the case, showed him the names Bonner gave you, but he said they had already questioned them, as they were known associates of his. They had unshakable alibis for the time of the robbery. He also told me that this wasn’t the first time Tommy Bonner has been accused of a violent attack, but he got off that charge last time.’

‘He lied to me.’ Albert was furious.

‘It looks that way,’ Josh said. ‘I hope you didn’t tell him who you are, or where you live?’

‘No, I didn’t.’ Albert glanced at Ted. ‘You know your brother, Ted. If he knew where we were, do you think he would try and cause trouble, even from his cell? I don’t want Eleanor upset in any way.’

‘He might. He always was a wild one.’ Ted stood up and began to pace the room. ‘What I don’t understand is why he would accuse those other men if they had nothing to do with the robbery?’

‘I really have no idea. Perhaps he has a grudge against them, or something like that? Can I leave you to explain to Pearl, Jack and Maggie? Eleanor already knows, of course.’

‘I’ll do that, but not tonight. We don’t want to spoil the party.’

‘Certainly not.’ Josh got to his feet. ‘I’m going to claim a dance with the birthday girl.’

‘Ted –’ Albert stopped him before he left the room – ‘Pearl and Jack are staying overnight at Henry’s, and Maggie will still be here in the morning, so I suggest we all meet here around ten o’clock tomorrow. We can explain about Tommy then.’

Nodding, Ted said, ‘Mr Warrender, I want you to know that we appreciate your kindness. We’re all so happy to have been reunited with our little sister.’

‘It’s no trouble, Ted, and don’t worry, everything will be all right.’ Albert patted him on the shoulder, hoping to put his mind at rest. The more he got to know this brother of Eleanor’s, the more he liked him. ‘If Tommy makes a
nuisance of himself, I’ll set Eleanor on him. She’ll soon deal with him.’