Against All Odds

by Marian L. Jasper

  Once the snow had eased, Liza started making arrangements to implement the health scheme and she held a meeting with all of the Town Council and it was decided that each of them would take a section of town and the outlying areas and talk to the people. They would be asked to sign up and make a commitment to pay each month. Liza was going to take the nearest area in town as nobody would allow her to travel too far. Within a very short space of time, over fifty percent of the adults agreed and could be seen over the next few days going in to see Mr Pembroke at the bank and paying their money ready for when the new doctor arrived. It meant that the doctor was, at least, guaranteed a partial salary and a small amount of extra money was kept safely should new equipment be needed. A list of named participants was meticulously drawn up ready for the doctor.

  Every day Liza was approached by those who had been undecided. They seemed to need her reassurance that they had understood the scheme correctly and she was happy to explain whatever was worrying them but was then tactful enough to tell them to make up their own minds and feel free to see her again if they were unsure of any aspect of the scheme.

  ***

  A letter finally arrived from Henry and it wasn’t good news. A young private delivered it along with other letters that Henry had taken the opportunity of including with the army mail. Liza ignored all the post apart from Henry’s letter and she sat with a cup of coffee looking at it until, finally, she opened it.

  ’My dear Liza,

  I have to tell you that it was a good move on your part to give me full authority over your property here in New York. I have, in fact, given an impression that I have full authority over all your affairs in New York as it was necessary for me to refuse payment of bills which have been arriving sometimes on a daily basis.

  I had heard of the breakup of Edward and Felicity Fuller’s marriage and rumours regarding the reason for such an unhappy circumstance.

  Felicity has arrived in New York, she used another shipping company for her journey and she was accompanied by what can loosely be described as a gentleman companion, somebody I believe she either met in Belfast or on the voyage to New York.

  When I received your letter, I immediately went to your house and told all the staff not to allow anyone to enter the premises without my permission, and should anyone arrive expecting to move in, they should send a runner to get me. It was extremely fortunate that I was aware of your concerns because Mrs Fuller and her companion attempted to make themselves at home in your property and I and my security men were obliged to insist that they leave.

  The man told me in no uncertain terms that I had no right to keep Mrs Fuller out of her own property and that I would be hearing more from him and her lawyer. Young Walter Anderson and his cousin have temporarily moved into some quarters in your house, which has helped to settle the staff as Mrs Fuller’s gentleman friend had become increasingly demanding.

  On another point, unfortunately, Mrs Fuller and her friend have been purchasing goods in your name, also their stay at the hotel has been charged to you. I have been to see the proprietors of the various businesses and informed them that they have been duped and none of the goods and services has been purchased by you, and that you have not been in New York for some time. I have informed them that it is up to them to pursue recompense from the perpetrators of the deception and that it is in their best interests not to allow credit to anyone using your name.

  Sadly, there will be many businesses that will have to suffer the loss but I believe we have stopped it before it has become too extreme and we have managed to preserve your good name, as many of the proprietors know you and are appalled that someone could perpetrate such a deception.

  I do not know how Mrs Fuller is going to extricate herself from the situation, but my suggestion is that she should leave New York immediately, preferably without her gentleman friend.

  I am undecided whether to write to Edward and will leave that decision in abeyance for the moment. Whether you tell her parents will be your decision.

  I believe all has been done that can be and I can reassure you that both Myra and I will safeguard your property and your good name.

  There are some matters of business which I need to discuss with you, but they can wait for another time. I’m making enquiries about prices for a printing press and will get back to you on this as soon as I can.

  I trust you are well and both Myra and I look forward to hearing from you again, but in more pleasant circumstances.

  With affection from,

  Henry

  PS. Myra sends her love’

  Liza sat and digested the letter and had to make a decision whether or not to tell Ada and the colonel, but that decision was taken out of her hands when the colonel knocked at her door. He normally only left the fort on Sundays for church but Liza wasn’t altogether surprised.

  “I know that you’ve had a letter from Henry. Can you possibly tell me what it says? Ada doesn’t know that there’s been a letter, although she may guess if she finds that I’ve left the fort,” said the colonel.

  “I have to say that I was undecided about whether to tell you or not, but you are here and it would be difficult for me to say nothing. I think that perhaps you should read Henry’s letter and then we can decide whether or not to tell Ada,” said Liza.

  Liza busied herself getting coffee for the colonel whilst he read what Henry had to say. When he had finished, he sat quietly for quite some time. He took the coffee without thanking her for it and it was obvious that he was trying to think of what he could say.

  “Do you know who she could be with? According to Henry, it doesn’t appear that he is a particularly well thought of gentleman,” said the colonel.

  “No, I’m afraid I have no idea who he is. Henry didn’t mention his name,” said Liza.

  “I can’t allow businesses to suffer because of Felicity. Can you find out how much she owes, Liza?” said the colonel.

  “I think it may be a great deal, Colonel and I believe that Edward is still responsible for his wife’s debts. It’s all such a mess and you’ve realised before that Felicity has bouts of thoughtlessness,” said Liza.

  “That is so delicately put, Liza. I will have to get Felicity here so that I can keep her under control and I’m going to have to tell Ada,” said the colonel.

  “Hmmm,” said Liza, “I think that Edward should be told. I don’t want to delve into your finances but unless you were left a great deal of money in your father’s will or anybody else’s for that matter, I don’t think that even a colonel’s salary is going to cover what Felicity has been spending. You may or may not have been very frugal over the years but I know that Felicity has developed very expensive tastes. I feel embarrassed by assuming that you won’t be able to pay her debts, but I believe you know that I am only telling you this because of my great affection for you and Ada.”

  “I know that bringing Felicity here is not going to be the happiest outcome for you. Amelia was completely outspoken in her letter to us and went through exactly how you had been treated by Felicity over the years and I know that you could have taken her misdemeanours to court and she could have ended up behind bars, as could her friend, what was her name, Evelyn? You let them off the hook,” said the colonel.

  “I wanted them to worry and never do anything like it again. Evelyn was very concerned as was Edward, but initially, Felicity was panicking but then she seemed to forget about it. Wendell and Jamie knew that I would never do anything to hurt the Fullers or you and Ada and they were rather amused by my pretending to instigate legal proceedings. It’s so annoying when people know you so well,” said Liza.

  It had brought a smile to the colonel’s face. “Oh Liza, you always make me feel better. I’ll go and tell Ada what is happening and I’ll make sure we see you tomorrow. Are you coming to the fort then?”

  “Yes, I must see the doctor tomorrow so I’ll call in and see you then. I still feel that Edward should be told and also, I’d like to know who this so c
alled gentleman is and if he’s from Belfast I may know of him,” said Liza.

  “When I’ve spoken to Ada, I’d like to discuss our options with you and possibly ask for your further assistance. You know we appreciate your help, Liza and have no need to ask for your discretion,” said the colonel and as he rode off he looked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders and Liza felt that being in charge of the fort should be enough for him, he certainly didn’t need the problem of a very difficult daughter. She wondered whether Felicity knew that the colonel wasn’t really her father.

  Liza read the rest of her mail. One was from Peter telling her how well her farming ventures were going and he enclosed a set of accounts for her to see. He was planning to travel to New York shortly and may possibly extend his trip to see her in Benson. He hadn’t taken a holiday for some time and he could combine business with pleasure and he had always been intrigued by what she loved about her town. His suggestion of a visit cheered Liza up considerably and she hoped that Felicity being here would not stop his plans.

  There was a letter from Dr Marsden, telling her that he had reached New York safely and would be back in Benson within the month. He had described the house, the people, the town and the fort to his wife and children and they were all getting very excited about the move to their new life. As she was aware, they would be with the next wagon train bringing goods to Benson, which would be well before the birth of her baby. It was another letter that made Liza feel a lot happier.

  Amelia had also written and unfortunately her letter was full of concern for Edward and it was obvious that she had no idea that Felicity was in New York. She informed Liza that the father of Felicity’s daughter was finding it difficult to have her within his household, but Edward, naturally, would not entertain taking the child under their roof and although Amelia felt sorry for the girl she had to respect Edward’s wishes, which, of course, were understandable as she was not his child.

  Wendell wrote with suggestions for Marchant & Fuller and he was now thinking of setting up their own security department in Belfast as the one in New York seemed to be doing well. Her charity was just about covering its costs as children were arriving on a daily basis, but many were being adopted or sent to America as bond servants to reputable employers. Another fundraiser should be considered and he wondered whether she would be able to get to New York in the next few months to organise a gathering. Liza knew that it would be impossible but she could authorise Myra to act on her behalf and perhaps another garden party around June time would be acceptable. Amelia could also organise one in Belfast. Liza would have to think of a few ideas to increase revenue.

  There was a letter for Matthew and it appeared to be from James Edgeworth, which would please Matthew immensely and it would also be interesting for John as Matthew always read his letters to John.

  There was nothing that she needed to reply to that day; she wouldn’t write to Henry until after seeing the colonel and Ada tomorrow, so she decided to spend some time with Kathy and Joe if he was available. After a very pleasant hour, which had taken some of Liza’s worries from her, she and Kathy went to the doctor’s house and made sure that it was still being aired properly. Kathy said that she had some spare curtains that could be used in the bedrooms until the doctor’s wife managed to unpack what she already had or what she would be making for the windows. Liza thought that it would be a good idea as long as Kathy didn’t get hurt if and when they changed them for their own ones.

  “Liza, I’m old enough not to take exception to anything like that. I just think that it would be nice for them to arrive and be able to draw some curtains to make the house a cosy home as soon as they arrive,” said Kathy. “I’ve also got some spare bed linen that they could borrow for at least their first night here.”

  “I’ve also got some so we could make up their beds ready for when they arrive, it will take the pressure off their first night here. They will have had a long and uncomfortable journey, so it would be nice if they can just walk into the house and relax. We’ll also make sure they have enough food until they get settled. It’s quite exciting and reminds me of when I first arrived here and how kind everyone was to me,” said Liza and it was tinged with sadness when she remembered how Danny had been so helpful to her and she wondered whether Kathy also had the same thoughts.

  They both went home and started sorting out anything that they thought may be useful to the doctor and his family when they initially arrive in Benson. They knew that the doctor’s family would have all their own bedding and drapes but at least they would come to a warm and comfortable house after their long journey and Liza and Kathy would enjoy doing it but they would not want to take away the pleasure that the family would experience organising their own home, it would just be enough to enable them to catch their breath and sleep comfortably.

  When Patrick came home that evening, he told Liza that he had noticed that the colonel had left the fort and had headed towards town. Liza told him that he had visited her as she had received a letter from Henry. He was about to ask her what she knew of Felicity but realised from her look that she would tell him later when the boys were in bed and when they were alone.

  When Liza showed Patrick Henry’s letter, he raised his eyes to the ceiling. “We were right to be concerned. She really is such a trouble maker. What’s the colonel going to do about it? Do you know?”

  “I’ll find out tomorrow when I go to the fort. I’ve got to see Dr Steele and I’m calling on the colonel after that. I believe that he wants to talk to Ada before he can come up with some sort of plan. He’s saying that he’s going to have to pay her debts, but I told him that her debts are the responsibility of her husband, although I think that Edward washed his hands of her some time ago. The colonel can’t possibly pay off all her debts, it will bankrupt him,” said Liza.

  “You’re not going to pay them off, are you, Liza, you can’t keep helping her. If necessary she’s going to have to be charged with some crime. I presume it will be some form of deception,” said Patrick.

  “I really don’t know what to do. If she gets sent to prison it is going to hurt Ada so much, but I don’t think Felicity will ever learn right from wrong,” said Liza.

  “I suppose you are going to have to get in touch with Edward, whether he will do anything we don’t know. Anyway, we’ll have to see what the colonel and Ada want to do. It will embarrass them if they have to rely on you to help pay Felicity’s debts, it wouldn’t be so bad if Edward does it,” said Patrick.

  “Hmmm,” said Liza and Patrick realised that he had put a thought in her head which could possibly save embarrassment all round, but once again, it would cost Liza. He knew that Liza’s philosophy was that there was no point in having money if you didn’t spend it, but helping somebody like Felicity seemed a pure waste of money.

  The next day Liza went to the fort to see Dr Steele, who was still saying that he was pleased with her progress and that although the baby was small, it was now showing signs of growing. From there Liza went to see the colonel and Ben showed her into his office.

  “Have you spoken to Ada?” asked Liza.

  “Yes, and she’s beside herself with both worry and annoyance at Felicity. I have to say that I find it difficult to understand how she could have not only alienated Edward and the Fuller family in the outrageous way that she has, but to use your name to try to live a life of luxury that she doesn’t deserve, upsets me to such an extent that I would like to cut her completely out of my life, but I have to think of Ada and I know she also is so upset that I am worried about her health,” said the colonel.

  “Colonel,” said Liza, “this is not the first time that I have been in the firing line of one of Felicity’s scams, and I have a feeling that it won’t be the last, but you and I must try to solve the immediate problem, and that is to keep Felicity out of the hands of the authorities, even though she deserves it. Shall we go and see Ada and there are a few things that I can do to help as I do have a little inf
luence in various places. I’ll say to you now that no matter what I may be able to achieve, I know that I will never gain a friendship with Felicity and nor will I want to, but I hope that it will never interfere with the friendship and love that is between you, Ada, me and my family.”

  “I just have to sign some papers, Liza and then I’ll make my way over to Ada,” said the colonel.

  “I’ll just call in on Bea for a minute or two and I’ll see you there,” said Liza.

  Bea was pleased to see her as always, and Rachel wanted to thank her for sending another book for her to read. Liza asked her when she thought she would be ready for school and found that Rachel was nervous as she had never mixed with children before.

  “If you like, I’ll take you when I take my boys when you have decided you are ready. You look as if you are getting better, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it once you are there. There are so many things that you can learn and you’ll be able to think of what you would like to eventually do with your life. I know your teacher well and she is a really nice person and will help you with anything you would like to do,” said Liza.

  Bea moved Liza away from Rachel’s hearing and said, “Is there a problem with Ada, she is really upset and although she tries to tell me something, she is reduced to tears before she can let me help her.”

  “I know that Ada will confide in you when she feels able, she always has Bea and she will again. You are both too close for her not to,” said Liza.

  Liza left and tried not to make it too obvious that she was going to see Ada. The colonel had arrived home and let Liza in. Ada looked distraught and Liza put her arm around her, which reduced her to tears.

  “Come on, Ada; there is no problem that doesn’t have a solution. All we have to do is find it and there are one or two things that I can do to ease the situation, although it may not solve it completely,” said Liza. “This is the first time I have been here and you haven’t offered me coffee and cakes.”