The Forgotten Family (19 page)

It was three days before the doctor was able to reach them. It had stopped snowing, but the only way he had been able to travel was on a sledge drawn by a farmer’s carthorse. After examining Albert he confirmed that the ankle was broken, but Nanny had made a good job of setting the bone, and that Albert did not appear to have suffered anything worse from the experience. He calmly ignored his patient’s bad language when he told him that he must stay in bed for a week.

‘How long is this bloody thing going to take to mend?’

The doctor pursed his lips. ‘You should be walking normally in a couple of months. It’s a bad break.’

‘And how am I going to run the estate?’

‘What about your brother-in-law?’

‘He’s got enough to do with his own place.’ Albert’s face was like thunder.

‘Losing your temper won’t help.’ Nanny came into the room, puffing from the exertion of climbing the stairs. ‘If it hadn’t been for Eleanor shouting at everyone to move themselves, you’d have frozen to death out there.’

‘I know.’ Albert sighed deeply, resting his head back against the pillows. ‘But there’s so much to do.’

‘You’re going to have to find someone to help you over the next few weeks.’ Nanny stomped towards the bed. ‘What about Ted?’

‘I could get him to do some things, but he will have his hands full dealing with the new land, though this blasted weather will hold up work on clearing the fields. Ted is hiring workmen and organising the building of the house. We want to get it under way as soon as the weather permits.’

Ellie had been listening to this exchange, impatient to speak. Now she could hold back no longer. ‘I can help, Father. You tell me what to do. It’s time I learnt more about running the estate.’ She sneezed, her nose red from a heavy cold.

Nanny tutted, seeing her for the first time since she arrived. ‘What are you doing up, Eleanor?’

‘I can’t stay in bed any longer, Nanny. I haven’t got a fever. It’s just a cold.’

‘Well, what can you expect going out in that atrocious weather? You were like a block of ice when you arrived back. You’re as bad as your father for not allowing other people to do things for you.’

‘Father was out longer, but he hasn’t caught a cold.’

‘Ah, well, that’s because he’s strong; always has been.
And if we don’t watch him, he’ll be hobbling around the house tomorrow.’

Father and daughter exchanged conspiratorial glances. Nanny, who turned to the doctor, hadn’t missed the look. ‘I’d better go and see that some sticks are made for the master. We can argue until we’re out of breath, but these two are going to do whatever they please.’

‘I’m afraid you’re right.’ Doctor Brewster’s expression was resigned. ‘I’ll warn you one more time, Mr Warrender, keep off that ankle or you could end up with a permanent limp.’

‘I won’t put it to the ground, but I’m not staying in bed.’

‘Always was strong-willed,’ Nanny muttered as she headed for the door. ‘Better get those sticks made.’

When she’d left the room and could be heard tapping her way down the stairs, Albert laughed. ‘That’s one person who has improved because of this. She’s in her element ordering people around again.’

‘I’ll be leaving then.’ The doctor picked up his bag. ‘I’ll be back in three days, and try to do as you’re told – both of you. I came close to losing two of my favourite patients.’

‘I was never in danger, doctor.’ Ellie sniffed.

‘Anyone out on a night like that was in danger.’ With a wave, he left.

Albert patted the bed for her to come closer. ‘Have I thanked you for saving my life?’

Her chuckle turned into a cough. ‘At least twenty times.’

‘Now it’s twenty-one.’

She tipped her head to one side. ‘You haven’t answered my request.’

‘And what was that?’ He pretended not to remember.

‘Let me help you. I can do it, I know I can.’

He nodded. ‘It is time you became more familiar with the workings of the estate. All the books are in my study, so I’ll hobble along tomorrow and we’ll go through them together. While the weather’s bad I will teach you the daily routine, but you will not go out until the snow has cleared.’

Ellie nodded, excited by the prospect of learning about the business side of the estate, and doing something useful.

‘I’ve received a letter this morning from Augusta.’ Albert handed it to Ellie to read. ‘Though how it was possible to make deliveries in this weather, I really don’t know. However, as you can see she has invited us to stay with them in London. We’ll have to decline the invitation, and that’s a shame, because by the time I am able to travel again, they will be on their way back to Yorkshire.’

‘It can’t be helped, Father. Mrs Montague will understand.’ Ellie hid her disappointment, for she would love to see James again.

‘Write and explain, Eleanor.’ Albert laid back his head and closed his eyes.

‘I’ll do the letter today.’ Ellie studied her father’s drawn face. The ordeal in the snow had taken more out of him than he was admitting. She stood up. ‘Sleep now.’

Over the next two weeks, Ellie worked with her father, trying to assimilate all the information he was telling her. She hadn’t realised just how large a task it was. Her father had always seemed to deal with everything without rush, or fuss. Whenever he had time, Ted joined them, eager to help in any way he could.

At last the snow began to thaw, but this only seemed to add to her father’s frustration. She endured his moods without a word – at least, she only lost her temper once or twice. It was a good thing they loved each other, or they would have come to blows at times. He was not a man who accepted infirmity with good grace, and the household staff was tiptoeing around him in an effort not to incur his wrath.

A sudden shaft of sunlight burst into the study, and Albert hauled himself up, hobbling over to the window on the sticks he had been provided with. Nanny kept a sharp eye on him to see that he didn’t try to walk without them.

Ellie gave an exasperated sigh. ‘Will you please sit down, Father. The doctor said you must stay off that ankle.’

‘I’m bloody well off it!’ he growled, waving his foot in the air. ‘The snow’s almost gone. Go and ask them to get the carriage ready and I’ll check Lower Farm to see how they’re coping.’

‘No.’ She folded her arms, defiant. ‘You can’t go bouncing around over ground that is still rock hard.’

He glowered at her. ‘You’re getting as bossy as Nanny. I’ll do what I blasted well like.’

As he started for the door, she beat him to it, blocking his way.

‘Move, Eleanor.’

Staying where she was, she shook her head. ‘I don’t often defy you, but in this case I will. We didn’t all risk our lives to find you, only for you to hurt yourself again. For once, you’re going to do as you’re bleeding well told.’ Her accent slipped back fifteen years.

For a long moment he just stared at her, then he began to laugh. ‘Your memory is very selective, for you have continually defied me. I’ve been far too lenient with you. I should take a slipper to your backside for this insubordination.’

Her mouth twitched at the corners, knowing that her little ploy had broken his bad mood. ‘I’m stronger than you at the moment, and you’ve never hit me. You won’t start now because you know I’m right. I want to see you striding along in your usual way, not limping like a cripple.’

‘I’m a terrible patient, aren’t I?’

‘I’m not arguing with that.’ She held his arm to help him back to the chair. ‘I promise I’ll go and check on things tomorrow, and take Mr Rogers with me. Now the snow is clearing, Ted will be busy.’

He nodded. ‘I’m told the men have made a start on the house at last.’

Ellie could see he was fretting about not being able to get out. ‘Uncle Henry and Ted are quite capable of dealing with everything. And the farm manager knows how to look after the stock. He’s been doing it for twenty years. You must learn to trust us all, Father.’

‘I find that hard. I’ve always dealt with everything myself.
Even when I was in Parliament I still made the rounds to see that everything was all right and give instructions where needed. I can see now that I should have an estate manager like all the other landowners. But you are quite right; until this damned ankle heals I shall have to do as I’m told.’

There was a sharp knock on the door, and they looked at each other, saying, ‘Nanny.’

‘Come in,’ Albert called.

The door swung open and the elderly woman surveyed them with a critical eye. ‘Stopped shouting at each other, have you? Could hear you all over the house.’

‘Eleanor’s becoming a tyrant, just like you.’ Albert controlled his smile with difficulty.

‘Good.’ Nanny nodded in satisfaction. ‘You make him keep off that foot.’

‘I try, Nanny, but he’s very stubborn.’

‘Don’t I know it.’ Nanny pursed her lips. ‘The problem is he thinks he’s immortal, and after that scare, he ought to know that he isn’t.’

Albert sat there, foot resting on a stool, and a glint of amusement in his eyes. There wasn’t a sign of the earlier irritation. ‘With you two watching my every move I might as well behave myself. It will save a lot of trouble. Eleanor, will you tell cook that we’ll eat in here as we still have a lot of work to do. Will you join us, Nanny?’

‘I might as well, seeing as I’m here.’

Albert winked at his daughter. ‘Make that lunch for three.’

The days flew by as Ellie became her father’s eyes, touring the estate and reporting back to him on every small detail. Her daily lessons were suspended, much to Philip’s disgust, and he begged to be allowed to go with her. Although he liked Mr Rogers, he didn’t like being the only pupil. Ellie, however, was happy with her new role, relishing each new day. She was even more delighted when her father listened to her opinions on how to solve problems as they arose, and with an estate as large as this, it was often. Her father would ask her what she would do in each case, and she almost burst with pride when he agreed with her solution. If he thought she was not right, he would explain why, and suggest another way. Their discussions sometimes became rather heated, for, like her father, she was not one to give way on a point when she felt her idea was the best. Eventually, she would bow to his greater wisdom, and in this way she was learning fast.

After one such exchange, Albert studied her long and hard.

‘What have I done?’ she asked, knowing that look.

‘I’ve always known that you had a sharp mind, but until recently I hadn’t noticed how you have blossomed and grown. Your reasoning is clear. You are becoming wise, Eleanor.’

She smiled, his praise meaning so much to her, and it told her she was doing a good job for him while he was incapacitated. She would miss this when he took over again. ‘I love helping you.’

‘I can see that.’ He gazed into space for a moment, deep in thought, then he turned back to her. ‘Would you like to train to be my estate manager?’

‘Oh, I would!’ She couldn’t believe this. ‘But I’m a woman and we are not considered suitable for such responsibility.’

‘I don’t give a damn what the world in general thinks. The only thing that matters to me is if a person, male or female, is capable of doing the work. And I believe you are.’

She gazed at him in astonishment. ‘You’re serious?’

‘I wouldn’t have offered you the job if I wasn’t. You love the land, and with your natural enthusiasm for everything, you could manage rather well.’

‘I accept, I accept!’ She cried out in joy. ‘I think I should write to Mrs Pankhurst and tell her I’m going to be the first woman estate manager.’

‘I’m sure she would be delighted. But don’t be too hasty to accept. You will have to serve a rigorous teaching period under my stern tutelage. We’ll fight and disagree, for we have differing views on many things.’

She just grinned, relishing the prospect.

‘And I may well be wasting my time, for one day you will marry and then your husband will take over when I am no longer capable.’

‘He will not!’ She was horrified. ‘I’ll never allow a husband to tell me what I can or cannot do.’

‘You are going to have to find a very tolerant husband. You’ll have to choose wisely.’

‘I shall.’ She tipped her head on one side, studying him intently. ‘I’ll have to find someone like you. Though I doubt that will be possible. The creator threw away the pattern after you were made.’

Albert shook his head ruefully, well aware of his own flaws. ‘With relief, I expect, determined not to make the same mistake again.’

When the dinner gong sounded, they were both roaring with laughter.

Spring turned to summer, and summer to autumn. They were happy months for Ellie. Her father’s recovery had been quite swift, considering the severity of the damage to his ankle. But even when he had regained full mobility, he still included her in the running of the estate. He was a hard taskmaster, watching everything she did, but gradually she was given more and more responsibility. She loved the work and threw herself into it with great enthusiasm. The last few months had also given her the opportunity to get to know her brothers and sisters, and it was hard to imagine what her life had been like without them. They all got on well, and they had quite obviously loved their little sister Queenie. Even Maggie wrote to her from time to time.

She had also been corresponding with James regularly. Their letters were long, telling each other what they were
doing, and comparing the work on both estates. Philip was also taking a great interest in management, much to his father’s pleasure. He was also eager to start helping, and Mr Rogers was making sure he had a sound education to prepare him for the task. Ellie no longer had lessons so the tutor was able to concentrate on Philip.

Easing her horse into a trot, Ellie lifted her face to the warm sun. September was her favourite time of the year. It had been a good summer and there was going to be an abundant harvest. She was now going to see that the wheat was being safely gathered. Her father had given her this responsibility, telling her that if more workers were needed, she was to employ them. It was imperative that the work was done while the weather was good. She knew James was doing the same thing in Yorkshire, and she smiled to herself as the golden fields came in to sight. It made a glorious picture, as the men were busy cutting the corn and tying it in bundles.

Drawing to a halt, she dismounted and walked over to the farmer. ‘Hello Jim.’

‘Morning, miss.’ He tipped his cap. ‘It’s going to be a bumper harvest this year. Best we’ve ever had, by the look of it.’

‘Have you got enough men?’ She was pleased at the way the workers had accepted her, but she suspected that they were polite and tolerated her because of the high regard they held for her father. That didn’t worry her though, as she felt a sense of achievement to be doing what she was.

‘Oh, aye, most of them are regulars, but we must move fast before it rains.’

Ellie gazed up at the clear blue sky. ‘There isn’t a cloud in sight.’

‘No.’ Jim tipped his head back and sniffed. ‘But it’s coming. I can smell it.’

He had an uncanny knack for predicting the weather, so Ellie believed him. ‘How long have we got?’

‘Another two, maybe three days. Time enough. You can tell Mr Warrender that it will all be gathered in time.’

She nodded. ‘Is there anything you need?’

‘No, thanks, miss.’

‘I’ll be getting back then.’ She remounted and turned her horse for home. Jim had been with them for as long as she could remember, his sole responsibility being the running of the estate farm, and if he said that everything was all right, then that was good enough.

She arrived at the stables the same time as her father. This was a busy month, and they were hot, tired and hungry.

‘All well with the harvest, Eleanor?’ Albert waited until his daughter had given her horse a carrot as a treat.

‘Jim said it will all be gathered in before it rains, and he has enough workers for the job.’

Her father nodded and Ellie fell into step beside him. ‘How’s the orchard coming along?’

‘Taking shape. Ted’s doing a good job. They’ve started felling some of the larger trees. We’ll have plenty of wood for the winter.’

‘Lovely. Can I see that the estate workers are supplied as well?’

‘Of course. Ask Ted and he’ll deal with that for you.
Oh, and the house is furnished now, so he’s moving in at the end of the week.’

‘We must throw a party and make it a happy home for Ted.’ She was beaming with delight. They’d had great fun choosing pieces of furniture from both houses to make a comfortable home for her brother. It was quite a substantial place, with three bedrooms. Over the last few months she had watched Ted grow in health and confidence, as her father and uncle had shown respect for his judgement in developing the land.

‘We’re going to, but you mustn’t tell him. We’re laying on a surprise, and your brothers and sisters are coming, including Maggie.’

‘What?’ Ellie was surprised. ‘But she’s still in Yorkshire.’

‘They’re coming back to London tomorrow.’

Ellie stopped suddenly. ‘Mrs Montague and James as well?’

Albert nodded, amused, as he watched his daughter’s surprise.

‘But I received a letter from James only yesterday, and he didn’t think they would be coming back before November. How can he leave the estate when there is so much work to be done over the next month or so?’

‘They must have a very good manager, and that is why they can spend so much time away from the estate. They are rather isolated where they are, and Augusta told me that she cannot bear to stay there too long.’

‘Does James feel like that?’

‘I really don’t know, Eleanor. You must ask him.’

She nodded, and then did a little dance, spinning round in excitement. ‘This is wonderful news. Ted will be so
pleased to have so many of the family around him. And James might have told me he was coming back so soon. Just wait until I see him.’

Keeping arrangements for the party a secret from Ted wasn’t easy. Henry devised a plan to keep him out of the way by pretending that he needed advice on a bull he was thinking of buying. When Ellie heard this from Philip she howled with laughter. Although her brother was learning fast, he knew absolutely nothing about livestock.

‘He never believed that, surely?’

‘Well, he did look rather surprised.’ Philip eyed the food being set out in the dining room of the new house.

‘I’ll bet he did. He must have wondered if Uncle Henry had taken leave of his senses.’ She put the finishing touches to a vase of flowers for the centrepiece of the table, and then glanced at the clock. ‘I hope they get back in time.’

‘Father said he was going to keep him away until everyone else had arrived.’ Philip wandered over to the window. ‘This is a good house, and in a lovely spot. If you’re quiet you can hear the stream running, and when the fruit trees grow they will almost surround the house.’

‘Yes, and the smell of the spring blossom will be wonderful.’ She sighed. ‘But I hope Ted won’t find it too lonely.’

‘Shouldn’t think so. There will be workmen around all day, and he can always come up to the house if he wants to. Father likes him. In fact, everyone likes him, especially our maid, Dorothy.’ Philip smirked. ‘She can’t take her eyes off him when he’s around.’

There wasn’t time to question Philip further about this,
because at that moment, everyone started to arrive. Her father and Mr Rogers were the first, quickly followed by the carriages bearing Augusta, James, Maggie, Pearl, Dave and Jack. Jimmy had been left in the care of Dave’s mother for the day.

There was great excitement as they greeted each other, and Ellie couldn’t help looking around in wonder. It was almost a year since her mother had died – and what a year it had been. Her life had changed dramatically, and she still found it hard to believe that she had so many brothers and sisters.

‘Quiet everyone. They’re coming.’ Albert held out the keys to Ellie. ‘As soon as he comes in you must present him with the keys to the house.’

She took them, and waited by the door while the others kept out of sight. As soon as Ted walked in they all cheered. That was Ellie’s signal to curtsy, none too elegantly as usual, and give her brother the keys. ‘Mr Ted Bonner, welcome to your new home.’

The scene around him was almost surreal, and James watched in disbelief. This was an extraordinary situation. Ellie had been brought up in luxury, lacking nothing, then she’d been told that she had come from a very different background. If he’d been in her place, he didn’t know if he would have had the courage to do what she had, or if he would even have wanted to. He would much rather have left the past alone – undiscovered – where it wouldn’t upset his comfortable life. But Ellie wasn’t like that. He had begun to understand her a little through her letters, and he guessed that whatever crisis she encountered in life, she
would face it head on. That took a special kind of person.

His gaze swept over the people in the room, coming to rest on Albert Warrender. After their first meeting James had thought he understood him, but now he was not so sure. Not only was he helping his daughter to find her siblings, but he had welcomed them, helping where necessary, and making them feel part of the family. Was he merely being kind, or was he a fool? These Bonners had been brought up in a tough world, and could be planning to take advantage of his love for Ellie. But, if that was their intention, then they were hiding it well; he could detect no sign of avarice in them. They just seemed delighted to have found their sister again.

‘Eleanor has changed since we were here before.’ Augusta spoke quietly to her son, as they stood slightly back.

‘She’s grown up.’

‘It’s more than that, James. I agree she has matured, but she’s also grown in confidence. When she found out she had been adopted, that must have changed her life completely, but she is handling it well. That points to a sound character.’

‘Hmm. And her father has been giving her much more responsibility than is expected of a young woman.’

‘From the tone of your voice I detect that you do not approve. I am surprised. I would have expected you to take a more liberal view.’

‘I am not Albert Warrender, Mother. He has a reputation for outlandish views.’

‘Don’t you mean enlightened, James?’ There was censure in her voice.

‘No, I don’t. Look at the way he’s welcomed this family into his home, treating them like friends. It doesn’t seem to bother him that their speech is common, or that they come from the slums of London.’

‘James!’ Augusta was taken aback. ‘You’re a snob, and I haven’t noticed that trait in you before. But then I’ve never seen you with anyone who was not from our class. And you are forgetting one thing.’

‘What’s that?’

‘Eleanor came from there as well. She loves her other family, and is not ashamed of her roots. Neither is Albert.’

‘Then he is being most unwise. They will take advantage of his wealth, and he will end up supporting the lot of them.’

‘That is his business, and nothing to do with us. I, for one, am honoured to have been invited to this little gathering.’ Augusta was angry now. ‘And you are underestimating Albert. I don’t believe he is the fool you are so rudely suggesting. You have been corresponding with Eleanor all these months, and I thought a friendship was developing between you, so what has brought about this change of attitude? You appeared to be quite happy to mix with them at the birthday party, and I thought you liked them.’

‘I do, but—’

Augusta made a quiet sound of impatience, stopping him in mid-sentence. ‘If you find this happy gathering so distasteful, then I suggest you return to London at once. But before you go I suggest you make yourself agreeable. I shall be most displeased if you embarrass me.’

James watched his mother glide away, elegant as ever,
even in her anger. He bit back a groan as her question still ran through his mind. When had his attitude changed, and why? He’d been looking forward to seeing Ellie again. She was an interesting girl, and he had enjoyed receiving her letters. But watching her with her siblings just now had made him uneasy. Why? He’d met them all before and it hadn’t bothered him then.

He studied the Bonners, trying to see what was different this time – but there was nothing. Then it hit him with force. It wasn’t the Bonners who had changed, it was him! He was frightened of them. But he didn’t understand why. Why all of a sudden did he find them a threat? What had happened to him?

‘James.’ Ellie came towards him, smiling brightly. ‘Don’t stand in the corner on your own, come and join the party.’

He nodded and allowed her to lead him over to the food, greeting everyone as he went.

‘Do you like the house?’

‘It’s a fine building. Your brother will be very comfortable here. He is lucky to have been so well provided for.’ When she looked up sharply, he realised that his tone had been critical.

‘You sound as if you don’t approve. Father makes sure all his workers are well housed and looked after. If they are happy, then the estate runs smoothly. Don’t you do the same for your workers, James, or do you put them in mud huts in Yorkshire?’

His mouth twisted in a wry smile. He had deserved that rebuke. ‘No, we’re quite civilised up there.’

‘I’m glad to hear it. Ted deserves this because he is doing
a good job for my father and Uncle Henry. They don’t want to lose him now.’

‘We most certainly don’t.’ Albert came and stood beside them. ‘Come and have a look at the transformation that Ted has managed to achieve.’

‘I’d like that, sir,’ James accepted eagerly. He was in such a strange mood that it would be better if he removed himself from here for a while.

Ellie laughed. ‘Father, take him for a long walk and see if you can cheer him up. I’ve been looking forward to seeing him again, but he’s in a most disagreeable mood.’ Her blue eyes were teasing. ‘I’ll find myself more convivial company.’

‘Is everything all right, James?’ Albert asked, as soon as they were away from the house.

‘I appear to be upsetting everyone today. My mother left me in disgust, and immediately after that I said something to your daughter and she took exception to my tone.’ James gave a resigned shrug. ‘I shall have to apologise to both of them.’

‘It will save a lot of trouble in the long run.’

‘Is that what you would do?’ James studied the man beside him, trying to get a clearer picture of his character.

‘I would say I was sorry for upsetting them, but I wouldn’t apologise for my views if I felt they were right.’

‘The problem is I don’t think I am right, but I can’t help how I feel.’