The Forgotten Family (21 page)

At around nine o’clock the next morning Albert walked into the library, hands lifted in apology. ‘Forgive me, Augusta. I have not been a very attentive host.’

She closed the book she had been reading. ‘You’ve been busy. I do understand, so there’s no need at apologise.’

‘That is gracious of you.’ He sat down. ‘We shall have coffee, and then I shall devote the entire day to you. What would you like to do?’

After pouring him a cup of coffee from the tray beside her, she gazed out of the window. ‘The sun is shining and a guided tour of the estate would be pleasant.’

‘That would take more than one day.’ He took the cup from her. ‘But I could show you some of the beauty spots. Eleanor has gone to see Ted, so do you think James would like to join us?’

‘He’s already exploring on his own. He has a great love of the land, and admires your estate.’ Augusta smiled. ‘And the efficient way you handle everything without an estate manager.’

‘I have a very good manager. Eleanor is learning fast and already taking some of the burden from me.’ Albert drained his cup and stood up. ‘Like James, she loves the land. He must find it hard to leave Yorkshire for six months of the year.’

‘No, I believe he finds it a relief. As much as he loves the place, he will never own it, and that hurts him.’

Albert stopped in the act of reaching for the bell to order a carriage for them. He turned in astonishment. ‘But, surely, he inherited when his father died?’

‘James isn’t the eldest son. My husband has a son, Giles, from a previous marriage, and he inherited everything in Yorkshire.’

Stunned, Albert sat down again. This was the first mention that James was not the owner of his father’s estate, and that revelation made him more than a little uneasy. Why had it not been mentioned before? And he was sure Eleanor didn’t know, or she would have told him. He knew she had formed a friendship with him over the last few months, but in light of this news, was James intending to take advantage of his daughter? Did he see her as a way of obtaining land of his own? Many men did marry for that reason. He didn’t want that kind of fate for his daughter.

‘Your husband must have provided for both of you?’

‘The house in London is ours, and we have generous allowances.’ Augusta appeared completely unconcerned.
‘And we are allowed to stay on the estate for the summer months.’

Albert sat back, frowning. They were
allowed
to stay?

‘It is usual for the eldest son to inherit, Albert.’ Augusta spoke gently, noting his concern. ‘My husband never made a secret of his intentions. Giles has been trained from a child to take over.’

‘That doesn’t make it right.’ He shook his head. ‘You shouldn’t have been deprived of your home, and James could have been given a small part of the estate as his own. From what you’ve told me, it is large enough.’

‘I agree, and I hope that one day these archaic inheritance practices are changed.’ Her face lit up with amusement. ‘Perhaps the ladies of the WSPU will manage to convince the men that they are intelligent, worthy citizens.’

Albert laughed, his surprise receding. Augusta probably hadn’t mentioned this before because she’d accepted it as the normal state of things. ‘Eleanor has strong views about that. Even when she marries she will never hand over the estate to her husband.’

‘She may not have a choice. It would be expected.’

‘She will have a choice. I’ve made that clear in my will. The estate will only ever belong to my daughter, and she’s strong enough to see that my wishes are carried out.’

Albert stood up, dismissing the subject. ‘Let us go and enjoy the good weather.’

While everyone was dressing for dinner that evening, Albert went to visit Nanny. She seldom left her rooms now, and he was worried about her. To him, she was an important member
of the family, and he had never considered her a servant. She had been more of a mother to him than his own mother.

‘Hello, Nanny.’ He walked in, stooping down in front of her. ‘How are you?’

‘I’ve had better days.’ She pulled a face.

‘Shall I send for the doctor?’

‘He’s already been, but there’s nothing he can do. ‘It’s only old age. Sit down, you look as if you’ve got something on your mind.’

Giving a short laugh, he sat. He was sure this wise woman could read his mind. Then he told her his fears about James.

‘So, the young man will have to marry well if he wants land of his own.’ Nanny pursed her lips. ‘And you think he might be looking at Eleanor for that reason?’

He nodded. ‘He spends a lot of time on his own exploring the estate. I don’t want to see her trapped in a marriage of convenience.’

‘You can’t protect her from every hurt in life, neither should you attempt to.’ Nanny spoke firmly. ‘She’s a sensible girl, and not easily taken in when people are being insincere. She is not a child any longer, and you must trust her to make wise decisions in her life.’

‘I know.’ He paused in thought. ‘I keep thinking she is still a small, vulnerable child. What worries me is that James has kept very quiet about this, allowing us to believe that the estate in Yorkshire was his. Do you think I should alert Eleanor to this fact?’

‘No, that is the last thing you should do. Leave it for the time being and see how things go. James might tell her
himself, and that would be far the best way for her to find out.’ Nanny studied him thoughtfully. ‘Has it occurred to you that Mrs Montague may have decided you would make her a fine second husband?’

‘Not a chance, Nanny.’ Albert stood up. ‘She’s a charming woman and I enjoy her company, but that’s all.’

‘Of course it is.’ The corners of Nanny’s mouth twitched slightly, but she said no more.

‘Thank you for your good advice, as usual. It always helps to clear my mind.’ Albert left the room, feeling much more at ease. Nanny had always possessed sound common sense. And his daughter had proved she was able to look after herself on numerous occasions.

During dinner that evening, Albert watched Eleanor, trying to see her not as the little child he had always adored, but as a young girl, growing to womanhood with confidence and a fierce streak of independence. Nanny was right; she must make her own mistakes in life and learn from them. He had been fiercely protective towards her, but it was time to step back, release the reins and let her gallop free. It wasn’t going to be an easy thing for him to do, as he had never been able to erase the picture of a small child huddled in the corner of her bedroom, clutching her old frock. Mary hadn’t realised what she had done. But his wife had been right about one thing, Eleanor had eventually settled down, bringing them more joy than they could have imagined. Now she was going back to her past again, finding members of her forgotten family, and handling both the pleasure and pain with maturity.

Sipping his wine, he glanced at James as he talked to Eleanor, obviously happy in each other’s company. He bit
back a deep sigh. All right, he would give them space to develop their friendship, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t keep a sharp eye on the young man. And if he hurt his daughter, he would break his bloody neck.

‘You look fierce, Albert.’ Augusta touched his arm.

He smiled at her, realising that he was being a bad host again. ‘Do I? I’m sorry, my mind was on other things.’

‘Father, will you invite Mrs Pankhurst to dine with us one day while James is here? He would like to meet her.’

Albert knew the teasing expression on Eleanor’s face so well, and he didn’t miss James’s look of disgust. ‘I’ve only met her once, but she knows I’m sympathetic to her cause, if not her methods. I shall send an invitation.’

James glared at Eleanor as she enjoyed herself at his expense. ‘Your daughter knows very well how I feel about the suffrage movement.’

‘Would you share your views with us, James.’ Albert wasn’t going to miss this opportunity to discover more about the young man’s outlook on life.

The lively discussion that followed took them right through to the coffee stage of the meal. James was against equal rights for women, surprising Albert with his vehemence that a woman’s place was in the home.

‘And do you disapprove of Eleanor being given responsibility and some authority in the running of our estate?’

‘As you don’t have a son to take over from you, it’s understandable that you should want your only child to be familiar with the estate. But I’m sure you cannot mean to make it permanent.’

‘I assure you that I have every intention of doing just
that.’ Albert sat back. ‘She is very capable and will have control of the estate for the rest of her life, and then it will be passed on to her children, should she have any.’

‘But surely –’ James frowned – ‘when she marries her husband will take control?’

‘No, he will be expected to help with the running of the estate, but it will always legally be Eleanor’s.’

‘That is unconventional, sir.’ James was clearly shocked.

‘Oh, James.’ Ellie shook her head. ‘You are so old-fashioned. Things are changing, and you must change with them.’

His smile was fleeting. ‘I have been brought up to hold my father’s views.’

‘That is true.’ Augusta agreed. ‘My husband had strong opinions on a woman’s place in life.’

‘I realised that when we were talking this morning.’ Albert glanced across at James. ‘My brother-in-law is a lawyer, and between us we have made sure that Eleanor can never be deprived of her inheritance.’

‘And what if she never has children?’ Augusta asked.

‘Then everything will go to Philip and his family. Of course, should a husband outlive Eleanor, he will have a home for the rest of his life.’ Albert had made his point, it was now up to any young man Eleanor met to decide if he could marry for love and not gain.

The subject changed to lighter subjects, and if James was troubled by what he had just learnt, then he showed no sign of it.

Ellie knew her father was an early riser and would already be in his study. After knocking on the door, she opened it and looked in. ‘Good morning, Father. May I come in?’

‘Of course, Eleanor. Did you sleep well?’

‘Soundly.’ She sat in front of the large desk, leaning her elbows on it so she could see what her father was working on. ‘They’re moving the sheep today.’

‘Good, they will be all right there until the cold weather arrives.’ Albert sat back, delighted by his daughter’s animated expression. ‘Do you think it was kind to tease James with a visit by Mrs Pankhurst?’

Ellie gurgled in delight. ‘I couldn’t resist it. He is rather pompous at times, believing that all women, including me, should sit around the house all day, and not interfere with
men’s
work.’

‘But you like him?’

‘Oh, yes, he can be funny when he relaxes and forgets to be stuffy.’

‘He’s a rather intense young man, but it’s the way he’s been brought up. He takes a serious view of life.’

‘I expect it’s because he has a lot of responsibilities.’ Ellie grinned at her father, eyes gleaming with amusement. ‘But he’s learning to join in with us, and doesn’t seem to mind being teased.’

‘Ah, that is something he will have to get used to with you and Philip.’ Albert closed the account book he had in front of him. ‘Now you have turned eighteen, we shall, no doubt, have young men calling to gain your favour. I am surprised there isn’t already a line of hopeful suitors knocking on the door.’

Ellie was horrified, then her expression relaxed. ‘They will soon leave once they know that they will not gain land by marrying me. That was very clever of you, Father.’

He nodded. ‘I wanted to make sure that you were not taken advantage of. When you marry, I want it to be someone of your choosing, and for genuine love and affection.’

‘Just like you and mother.’ Ellie’s expression softened when she thought of the love they had all shared.

‘Choose carefully, Eleanor,’ he advised.

‘I will, but I’m quite happy as I am.’ She tipped her head to one side and pursed her lips. ‘Anyway, all this talk about someone marrying me for the land is quite unnecessary. You are going to live to a hundred.’

He laughed. ‘I’ll do my best, but this is something you must consider, Eleanor.’

‘I know, and I would want a husband and children some time, but not just yet.’

‘Your Uncle Henry thinks you should marry Philip—’

Ellie shrieked.

‘And then we could join the two estates together.’ Albert kept a perfectly straight face.

‘He’s younger than me, and he’s only a child.’ She rested her chin in her hands and peered at her father. Was he serious? But as she looked deep into his eyes, she knew. ‘You’re teasing me. Uncle Henry never said any such thing.’

‘Yes, he did, and you must admit that it would solve a lot of problems.’ A deep chuckle ran through him. ‘You ought to see your face.’

‘Well, you would be just as horrified if I suggested that you marry Mrs Dearbourne.’

Albert lifted his hands in horror. ‘I see what you mean.’

They were both laughing now. Mrs Dearbourne, a widow, had arrived in the district a year ago, desperate to find herself another husband. She was grossly overweight, rather loud, and pursued every eligible gentleman with determination. They all kept well away from her, and even her obvious wealth had not tempted one man.

Ellie was pleased when the subject of her marrying was dropped. She really didn’t want to think about the future at the moment. She was enjoying herself far too much. And she wouldn’t be able to rest until they knew what had happened to Harry.

October arrived with bright sunshine lighting the countryside in a blaze of red, gold and orange, but for once Ellie was blind to the beauty around her. James had returned to London over a week ago, and she missed him. It was surprising how quickly she had become used to his company. But it was more than that. This month was the anniversary of her mother’s death; losing her still hurt so much, and she knew her father was still grieving. Outwardly you would never know, but she only had to look into his eyes to see the pain.

Turning her horse for home, she urged him into a gallop. Even her early morning ride hadn’t managed to ease her gloom. It was two weeks since they had put the announcement in the newspapers, but, as far as she knew, no one had come forward with information about
Harry. Her father had paid for it to be included every day for a month. In another two weeks the notice would be withdrawn, and that would be the end, unless she could persuade her father to extend the period. He had gone to a lot of trouble and expense, and she would hesitate to ask more of him, but she would if she had to.

‘Where are you, Harry?’ she cried out as she bent over the horse’s neck, her words disappearing on the wind.

Suddenly, the face of a young boy flashed across her memory.

She brought her horse to an abrupt halt, making Silver snort in annoyance at having her gallop interrupted. The picture had been so vivid that tears were streaming down her face. ‘He looks like me,’ she sobbed, struggling to hold on to the vision. ‘He has the same blue eyes and colour hair. He’s more like me than any of the others. We’ve got to find him! I now know how special he was to me.’

Digging in her heels, they started for home again. She had to talk to her father. He was at breakfast when she rushed in, eyes wide and arms outstretched, making him surge to his feet. ‘What’s the matter, Eleanor?’

‘I’ve remembered Harry!’ She gulped, collapsing into a chair, and as her father sat beside her, she clasped his hand. ‘I was thinking of him and it was as if some memory buried deep in my mind surfaced. I saw a fleeting image of a young boy, his colouring just like mine, and he was laughing. He was always laughing.’ She gazed at her father, pleading, ‘I loved him so much. We must find him.’

‘I don’t know what else we can do.’ Albert sighed. ‘In a way I’m sorry you have discovered your affection for this
brother, because our chances of tracing him are very slim.’

Ellie nodded, knowing this was true. ‘Has no one come forward?’

‘A few, but …’ He placed a finger on her lips to stop her saying anything. ‘But Joshua has investigated everyone, and they were all people hoping to make some money.’

‘Frauds, you mean?’

‘Yes, and there will be plenty of them. That’s why Josh insisted that the newspaper send everything to him first. Neither of us wanted people turning up here and upsetting you.’

‘Uncle Josh will let us know at once if there is even a glimmer of hope, won’t he?’ She was fond of her father’s friend, and had given him the title of uncle many years ago when she had been unable to say Hargreaves.

‘He will.’ Albert squeezed her hand, and then sat back. ‘He has invited us to stay with him in London for a few days. We could do some exploring, go to the theatre, and maybe see an opera. Would you enjoy that?’

‘That would be lovely.’ Ellie liked the idea. Remembering Harry had shaken her badly, and it would be good to be in bustling London, doing different things. ‘Perhaps we could visit James and his mother while we are there?’

‘I’m sure that can be arranged,’ he said. ‘We’ll go in two days’ time.’

It was four days before they managed to get away, and much to Ellie’s delight, her father had left Ted in charge of the estate. Her brother was being given more and more responsibility and he was thriving on it. He was showing a
great interest in one of Uncle Henry’s maids, Dorothy, and there were signs that he was ready to settle down. They were clearly fond of each other, and it showed that Ted had really put the past behind him. Her thoughts turned to Harry. Even if her father gave up the search, she knew she never would. If it took her the rest of her life, she
would
discover what had happened to him.

‘Eleanor!’ her father called. ‘We are leaving for the opera in fifteen minutes.’

His summons shook her out of her reverie. She had been staring out of the window without seeing a thing, her desire to find the last member of her family wiping everything else from her mind.

‘I’ll be right down, Father.’ Leaping into action she fumbled with the front fastening of her gown, making a mess of it and having to start again. It was time she had a personal maid, as her father suggested, but she had resisted the idea, declaring that she was quite capable of dressing herself.

After a final glance in the mirror to check that the pale blue gown was hanging correctly, she grabbed her purse and hurried for the stairs. Her father and Uncle Joshua were at the bottom waiting for her. Lifting her skirt, she made her way down as quickly as possible. There was only one way to move in clothes like this, and that was with great care. She hated dressing up, and cursed silently under her breath at the restriction.

‘You look beautiful, Eleanor.’ Joshua turned to Albert. ‘We are going to be the envy of all this evening.’

Ellie laughed at the teasing. ‘You are quite wrong. It
is I who will be looked at with envy for having two such handsome gentlemen as escorts.’

Joshua roared with laughter. ‘She’s learning how to flatter with style, and is going to be a force to be reckoned with.’

‘She always has been.’ Albert held out his arm, winking at her. ‘I knew that the moment I set eyes on her.’

It was only a short ride to the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, and Albert took great delight in watching his daughter’s animated face as she talked about
La Boheme
. Coming to spend a few days in London had been a good idea. Her distress had concerned him when she’d told him about remembering Harry. He had always known that the boy was special to her, but much to his relief the memories had faded. The fact that she had recalled him and not any of the others, showed just how close the bond between them had been. His heart ached for her, for he had given up any hope of finding Harry. It was sad he was the only sibling they hadn’t been able to trace.

When they arrived at the Opera House, Augusta and James were waiting for them. The sight of Augusta nearly took away Albert’s breath. She looked stunning in a gown of palest gold and a diamond necklace gracing her still slender neck. She would, no doubt, marry again, for she would be an asset to any man’s household, as well as being a charming and intelligent companion.

As they made their way to Uncle Joshua’s box, Ellie couldn’t help swivelling her head this way and that in order not to miss a thing.

‘Impressive, isn’t it?’ James said, as she rushed to look
over the edge of the box into the main auditorium.

She was speechless, watching as the place filled up rapidly, an excited buzz in the air. The decor was beautiful enough with the ornate carving and sumptuous velvet curtains, but the ladies were outshining their surroundings. Ellie had never seen so many lovely gowns or jewels. She was wearing a sapphire necklace of her mother’s, but it was modest compared to some on show tonight.

With a smothered laugh of glee, she turned and pulled her father forward. ‘Look at this. There’s an absolute fortune out there. Have they come to see the opera, or to be seen?’

‘In many cases, the latter.’

‘Oh, the lights are dimming.’ Ellie sat on the chair between her father and James, eager to enjoy her first opera.

She wasn’t disappointed. Every minute had been wonderful, and her father had explained the story so she could follow it. It had been rather sad, but the glorious music was still ringing in her ears as they dined at an exclusive restaurant after the performance. Her father and Joshua were certainly making this an evening to remember. Ellie knew that she could have had many times like this if she had agreed to a season, but, as exciting as it was, she knew that within a couple of days she would be longing for the open spaces and quiet once again. All the opulence she had seen tonight could not compare to home.

The next morning Ellie’s father had left a message to say that they had gone out, but would be back for lunch. So, after breakfast, she wandered into the library to find a book
to read. By the window was a huge oak desk completely covered in papers and packages tied up with tape. Right next to it was a waste bin full to the top and spilling some of its contents on to the floor. Uncle Joshua obviously just tossed discarded letters in the general direction of the bin, not caring if they went in or not. Smiling to herself, she set about picking them up, forcing them into the bin. As one piece of paper unfurled she saw the name of Bonner. Smoothing it out, she began to read, her excitement mounting. It was from Fred Bonner saying that they had seen the newspaper and would tell them where Harry was for the sum of ten guineas.

She surged to her feet, furious. Why had this letter been thrown away? Surely every lead was worth following. She wasn’t simple, she knew that the Bonners might only be trying to get money out of them, but there was always the chance they did know something. This shouldn’t have been tossed away. Her father and Uncle Joshua might not think this important, but she did.

Running up to her room she tipped out her purse. Her father hadn’t yet given her the allowance for this month, and all she had was one pound, three shillings and six pence. It would have to do.

Without stopping to think what she was doing, she was running up the road, hailing a cab.

‘What’s the rush, miss?’ a cab driver asked as he clattered to a halt beside her.

‘I must get to Whitechapel, please.’ She gave him the address.

He looked doubtful. ‘That’s a rough place. You shouldn’t be going there unaccompanied.’

‘I’m not. You will stay with me and I’ll pay you for your trouble. Now hurry.’ She climbed in.

Giving a shrug as if to say that it was none of his business if a young lady wanted to visit such an unsavoury place, he urged the horse forward.

As soon as they arrived, Ellie saw Fred Bonner leaning on the wall outside the house, a cigarette hanging from his lips.

He stood up straight as she alighted and called to his wife. ‘Come and see who’s calling.’

‘Wait right here,’ Ellie told the driver, and lifting her skirt she marched over to Fred just as Hilda came out of the front door.

‘Where’s Harry?’ She held out the crumpled letter. ‘It says here that you know where he is.’

‘Brought the money with you?’ Fred smirked. ‘If you want to know, then you’ll have to pay.’

‘No, I won’t.’ Ellie advanced, fists clenched. ‘You’ll tell me or you’ll be sorry.’

‘You can’t do nothing to us, girl.’

‘Oh, yes I can.’ She gestured to the house, furious with Fred’s attitude. ‘I’ll offer your landlord such a high price for this hovel that he won’t be able to refuse. And then I’ll throw you out.’

‘Fred!’ Hilda looked alarmed.

‘Don’t take no notice of her. She couldn’t buy the house.’

Ellie wasn’t afraid of them. ‘I could buy the whole bloody street if I wanted to. Now, where’s Harry?’

‘Got a sharp tongue on you, ain’t you?’ Fred edged away from her.

‘Of course I have. Look who I had for parents.’ She knew they were frightened by her threat. She had to find Harry, and she’d do anything necessary, even sinking to their level. ‘I’m waiting.’

‘Then you’ll wait a long time, girl. I ain’t telling you nothing.’

‘That’s enough, Fred.’ Hilda elbowed past her husband to stand in front of Ellie. ‘The truth is Queenie; we don’t know where he is. He walked out, not understanding or able to forgive us for what we did. Nor did any of the others. They all left as soon as they could.’

‘You don’t know where he is?’ Ellie had known this was a possibility, but hearing it admitted still hurt as her hope crumbled.

Hilda shook her head, then glared at her husband. ‘I’m sorry I ever taught him to read and write. I never know what the daft bugger’s going to do. Fred’s always looking for a chance to make some money, except do an honest day’s work.’

‘Don’t be stupid, woman.’ Fred was furious. ‘Where can I get work round here? Go on tell me. More than half the bleedin’ street’s out of work.’

As Ellie listened to them arguing, it was as if her eyes were opened and she was seeing things clearly for the first time. The slum dwellings, the dirt and poverty came into sharp focus. An overwhelming sense of hopelessness seemed to invade her like a heavy weight. These people were trapped in a squalid life of want and deprivation, with no way of getting out. Each day a constant struggle to keep a roof over their heads and enough food in their bellies.
And she had come from here, but had been given a chance of a better life.

Swallowing hard to control her emotions, she watched Fred storm away. Hilda stayed where she was. ‘Will you tell me the truth? Why did you sell me?’

‘We was in deep trouble. If we hadn’t got hold of some money to pay the rent, we’d have ended up in the workhouse. They’d have taken all my kids away from me, and I couldn’t let that happen. Fred met a man who knew a bloke who was looking for a little one ’cos his wife couldn’t have kids of her own. Well, you was the youngest, and –’ Hilda’s smile was sad – ‘and the prettiest little thing. He came and saw you. A real posh gent, he was, and I thought that at least one of my kids would have a better life, so I agreed. I cried for days after you’d gone, but I didn’t let no one see, of course. It would have been a sign of weakness, and you don’t last long round here if you ain’t strong. The money kept us out of the workhouse, and after that I took in extra washing to make sure we didn’t end up like that again. Fred ain’t a bad man, but this kind of life grinds you down.’

‘I understand.’ Ellie reached out and touched Hilda’s arm. ‘I’ll get some money to you, but you must keep it for food and rent.’

Hilda nodded. ‘I will.’