The Secrets of Water

by Wendy Nelson-Sinclair

  Edith inhaled sharply through her nose as she thought of all what the move would entail. “We could sell this dusty, dreary old house,” she said after a long contemplative pause. “Or I can give it to Mrs. Sargent and pay for its upkeep through a maintenance fund.” The wheels in her mind began turning. “And,” Edith added. “We can leave Addie and all the damage that she’s caused behind.”

  Edward picked Edith up and swung her around, kissing the soft skin of her neck as the twirled together. Neither of them were aware of Addie’s schemes, nor how she’d managed to wrangle Randall Wagner into them.

  ************

  “Mr. Wagner?” Edith said, eyes wide with surprise after finding her solicitor sitting in the parlor.

  “Miss Edith,” Randall jumped to his feet and met her halfway. “You look positively radiant. Why, I’d say that you were even glowing,” he added. “I have to admit that you’re even more lovely now than you were when I last saw you.” The man made a final attempt at flattery. Edith, undesirous of his attentions, cast it off as if it were a fly on her sleeve.

  “Forgive me for being so forthcoming, but why are you here?” Edith inquired. “I don’t remember writing to you or receiving a letter that you were coming,” she demanded politely as she crossed the room and took a seat upon the loveseat.

  “I was visiting a friend in Scotland,” Wagner explained as one of the maids rushed in with a fresh, piping tea service. The young girl rushed left just as quickly after Edith announced that she’d take care of pouring for them. “I decided to drop in on my way back to see how everything is going.”

  “Addie is still here,” Edith said bitterly and took note of the lack of surprise on Wagner’s face. “Although she’s been better of late—far less destructive and more stable—however, she continues with this delusion that Edward is unhappy and wants to run off with her.” Edith spoke at length of how, despite many attempts to turn her out, Addie had managed to talk her way into staying, often pitting Edith and Edward at odds. “I don’t know how to be rid of her. I feel that letting her stay here has been a big mistake,” Edith admitted, crushed that the friendship that she’d once shared had been reduced to this, an endless cycle of drama, accusation, and blame.

  “Perhaps if I spoke to her?” Randall offered suddenly. “I have a knack for authority, as you know. I also do not think that it’s a good idea for either you or Edward to broach the subject of leaving with her. It will only cause further trouble, Edith.” Randall paused while briefly contemplating his next words. “What if I go and offer her a considerable sum to leave Blackwell Farm and resettle herself in London?” he asked, knowing full well that Edith would accept. Randall Wagner, the older man who despised Edward and desired the woman across from him, hoped his offer seemed spontaneous, rather than the product of intense calculation and rehearsed for months in advance.

  “Would you?” Edith gasped with relief, thankful that once again, Randall was willing to take the majority of the burden off of her shoulders. “Mr. Wagner,” she said his name once again. “I know that we’ve had some differences in the past, especially where Addie is concerned, but I want you to know that I am most thankful for all the help and the advice that you’ve provided over the years. I want you to know that I appreciate everything that you’ve done for me.”

  Randal’s smile was loaded with humility. Hearing Edith gush with praise swelled his chest and intensified the ache for her simultaneously. As he thanked her profusely and hid his face behind the rim of his teacup, he secretly harbored a plot to attain what he most wanted and rid himself of the obstacle that blocked his path. If he couldn’t have Edith, he’d have her fortune but first, he had to somehow get Edward Murray out of the way.

  Mr. Wagner left the following morning after a lengthy, thorough talk with Edith’s permanent house guest. After all was said and done, he reported back that Addie begrudgingly accepted a cash settlement in exchange for leaving Blackwell Farm and the lifestyle she’d become accustomed to.

  “Miss Grey says that she will leave without complaint.” Randall looked to Edith, satisfied that he’d convinced her. Another glance showed at Edward showed that he wasn’t buying any of what he had to say.

  “And you’re sure that she’ll a just head off to London? That she won’t find some way to stick around?” Edward countered, suspicious of the man’s motives. Randall Wagner reminded him of a grass snake. Not poisonous but still capable of leaving a nasty bite. A grass snake who coveted what Edward had. From the moment he met Randall Wagner, Edward clearly saw that the older man was in love with Edith and that Randall Wagner clearly hated him.

  “Her friends are all in London now that the house is no longer open to… guests,” Randall replied with an unreadable poker face. “She says that she’s come to realize that you, sir, do not love her and that she has no chance to win your love.”

  Edward scoffed with disbelief as Randall proceeded to describe how Addie would leave as soon as Randall found her a place to stay.

  “I’m searching for a small, modest flat near all of the popular nightlife,” Randall explained further while Edith leaned against the back of the divan sipping her tea and Edward eyed him suspiciously from the doorway. “Once I’ve cemented all of the arrangements, I will return and escort Miss Grey to London myself.” He offered the last morsel, knowing that it would please Edith and would pacify Edward.

  “Then that’s settled,” Edith announced, reassured and confidant that everything would work out. Edward begrudgingly agreed, although he professed that he wasn’t entirely sure that all would turn out okay. Offering his reassurances, Randall Wagner left shortly after, promising to work expeditiously.

  Edith and Edward accepted what Randall Wagner said, even though Edward still held reservations. Those reservations didn’t matter though, even after Edith had questioned him on them. They were on the precipice of a new life. Nothing would stop them from marrying, moving to California, and watching their child grow up. With a determined set to his chin, Edward continued to plan for the future.

  After tea, Edward joined Edith in their room and together, dozed the next hour away completely oblivious that Randall Wagner had snuck back into the house and proceeded to fill Addie in on his own plans.

  ************

  “I have loved Edith and put up with her nonsense for far too long to let her and all that money slip through my hands!” Randall raged with war but remained the epitome of control. “And to be pushed onto the back burner when that bastard had the audacity to show up! It’s more than I can take, and I will not stand for it any longer,” Randall continued as Addie listened on. “I will tell you what will happen.” He held up an index finger up to highlight his idea. “The next time that the bastard goes to London, I’ll hire some thugs to get rid of him,” Wagner whispered from the deep recesses of the cellar as water dripped in the distance and the musty stench of damp stones filled his nostrils.

  “What do you mean by ‘get rid of him’? You don’t mean you’ll have him killed, do you?” Addie demanded, eyeing him with a malevolent stare that immediately reminded Wagner that she was not to be crossed. For such a simpleton, Adelide Grey was a master manipulator and could make life hell for anyone who found themselves on her bad side.

  “I mean that I’ll have him kidnapped or find him imprisoned on false charges. Whatever it is, it will keep him away from Edith. Permanently,” Wagner clarified.

  “If you so much as harm one hair on his head, I’ll kill you myself!” Addie hissed, coiling tightly like a serpent. “That man is my soul. Even though he doesn’t realize it yet, he will love me! I’ll inspire him to greatness, and we’ll be the tittle-tattle of England and Europe. And if you think that you can just take that away from me—”

  “Nothing will happen to him that can’t be remedied!” Wagner shouted suddenly, interrupting her. Addie’s hand snaked out and slapped Wagner, hard enough so that her red handprint burned against the pale white skin.

  “Do you want to wake
them up, you idiot?” she screamed. “What if that bitch Mrs. Sargent or that fool Mr. Brown hears you? They’d suspect that we were up to no good by hiding down here.”

  “They think that I’m in town, waiting on my train to London,” Wagner said with extreme exasperation through clenched teeth. “And if you ever strike me again, you little witch, I’ll make sure that you end up in the poorhouse, or see you locked in Bedlam in a cell right next to Edith’s! Never forget that you have far more to lose than I do,” he countered, knowing that despite her threats, he had Addie over a proverbial barrel.

  “Just don’t hurt him!” Addie snapped back, reminding Wagner of a dog who’d been kicked too many times.

  “Nothing will happen,” he uttered. “That, you have my word.”

  “See that you keep it.” Addie’s pale eyes pierced through the darkness, reminiscent of a viper in a pit.

  Seeing his pledge written clearly across his features, Addie bid him goodbye and heading to her room to practice for what came next: Edith and Edward’s permanent separation.

  ************

  Two weeks later, after all the paperwork had been filled out and signed, Edward headed to London to buy their passage to America and tie up the loose ends connecting them to England. To Edith’s surprise, Addie had wasted no time and had her belongings packed, ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Since Randall’s visit, Addie, Edward, and Edith moved like pieces on a chess board. Each woman avoided the other, well aware of the delicate, sharp edge they both walked upon. Edward refused to look or speak at his wife’s rival, forever annoyed at her presence. The air had grown so intense that Addie insisted on taking her meals in her room. She’d told Mrs. Sargent that since she was no longer welcome, she didn’t want to impose. Mrs. Sargent simply nodded but knew that the request was for more show rather than respect.

  “I hope she doesn’t come back,” Mrs. Sargent said irritably as she plied her plate with food and took a seat at the table with Edith. Ever since she’d learned of Addie’s impending departure, the housekeeper’s mood had vastly improved. Although the neighbors would find it uncouth and strange, Edith had insisted that both Mrs. Sargent and Mr. Brown eat at the table with her. Mrs. Sargent agreed, albeit reluctantly, while Mr. Brown flat out refused. He insisted that he’d continue to take his meals on the go, particularly in the form of sandwiches. The type of food that made it easier to do his work and wouldn’t waste time trudging to the house and back.

  “I know it sounds silly, but I’m frightened that Addie will turn this back around on me.” Edith’s fear resonated through the room. Hannah Sargent touched Edith’s shoulder, doing the best she could to alleviate the young woman’s irrational fear.

  “She’s not the type.” Mrs. Sargent moved to reassure Edith that she worried over nothing. “She’s not devious enough to plot out some scheme of revenge.” Edith looked to her, certain that Mrs. Sargent was lying—despite her reputation for honesty—in order to protect her.

  “I don’t know about that,” Edith said unsure as she spread her napkin across her ever-growing lap. “But I do know that I am so thankful that you’ve agreed to move in and take care of the place for me.” Edith surprised her life-long confidante by grasping the older woman’s wrinkled hand that, despite decades of hard work, was as soft as a lamb’s ear.

  “It’s you that’s done me a kindness. Since my house caught fire, I’ve come to learn that it will cost more than I have to repair it. Your offer couldn’t have come at a better time and because of that, I will gladly watch over this house, just as I have done for the last near forty years,” Mrs. Sargent said, recalling back to her first day when she came to work as a scullery maid for Edith’s haughty, ice-cold grandmother, Elizabeth. “The only thing that I ask is that you write to me from California and keep me abreast about the little one. I have a feeling that you and Mr. Edward will be very happy there.” Hannah Sargent bestowed her honorary daughter with an appreciative smile and a squeeze of Edith’s delicate, long-fingered hand.

  ************

  The following morning, Edith woke sensing a significant change around her. The air was different. The sunlight was less bright, and an unspoken warning hummed in the air. Rising from bed, she went to the bedroom window and pulled back the blinds. The first hint of autumn had arrived, bringing with it a breath of cool air that chased away the thick summer humidity.

  Taking her time, Edith washed, dressed, and headed downstairs for breakfast. As she descended the stairs, she hoped that Mrs. Sargent had pan-roasted mushrooms in butter waiting on the buffet. Since Edith first discovered she was pregnant, mushrooms and tomatoes were what she mainly craved. It was just one of the many things she’d miss when she and Edward left the Lake Country and started their journey to California. Perhaps I can learn how to cook them, Edith thought happily but quickly remembered her other reason for coming down.

  “Mrs. Sargent, have you seen my brush?” Edith asked as her foot left the last step. “The one Edward gave to me. It’s missing and I can’t find it anywhere. You didn’t happen to move it when you were cleaning, did you?”

  Mrs. Sargent was standing by the front door as Edith came to a full stop. Mrs. Sargent’s normal, rosy, cheery expression was replaced by one that bespoke of deep shock and tragedy.

  “Hannah?” Edith called out, using the woman’s given name for the first time in her life. “Hannah? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Edith said as she rushed across the hardwood floor. “Is something wrong? What’s the matter? You can tell me.”

  It was then that Edith observed the telegram Hannah Sargent clutched in her trembling hands. With eyes pooled with tears, Mrs. Sargent awkwardly placed the slip of paper into Edith’s waiting palm.

  Glancing from the note to Mrs. Sargent and back, Edith furrowed her brow as she prepared to deal with awaited her. As she read the telegram, he entire being lost all of its senses. A chill formed at the base of her spine that quickly numbed the rest of her body as she reread the brief, typed message that ultimately and thoroughly destroyed not only her plans, but also her life.

  “No,” Edith whispered. “This has to be wrong. This can’t be. He can’t be… dead.” Her voice cracked as she read the telegram out loud. “Edward dead. Stop. On way with details. Stop. Elsie.” Crumpling the yellow paper in her fist, Edith raised her chin, trying to be brave while her beating heart tore itself out of her chest. Instead, a primal scream tore her throat that rivaled the banshee’s wail.

  Edith collapsed, her legs no longer able to support her. Her dress spilled out in waves across the freshly polished floor as storm clouds engulfed her and a chasm of nothingness pitted itself within her stomach.

  “Miss Edith,” Hannah wept above her. “I’m so sorry. This is terrible. What can I do?” Hannah sobbed into her apron while Edith stared emotionless into the space before her. “Miss Edith?” Hannah implored as Edith failed to respond. Several more attempts went unanswered. “Mr. Brown! Mr. Brown, come quick! Something terrible’s happened.” Hannah shouted as she took off to find the groundsman.

  “What is all this commotion?” Addie hissed, disgusted by all the noise and unafraid to make her displeasure heard. “Edith, what are you doing on the floor? Did you fall? Or are you drunk? Oh, I know, you’re just trying to get everyone’s attention. Really, you do the most ridiculous things. I wonder what it is that Edward sees in you?” Addie stomped down the remaining stairs and stormed over to Edith. “What is this?” Addie asked, her voice softening momentarily as she caught sight of the crumpled telegram resting by Edith’s exposed leg. Bending down, Addie picked it up, opened the small scrap, and read the first words and went hysterical.

  “NO! This can’t be! How did this happen? He promised this would happen!” Addie shrieked, clutching the telegram in one hand as she pounded the other balled fist against the side of her head. “No, this has to be wrong. He can’t be dead. He can’t be dead!” Addie’s wails echoed through the hall. “I’ll kill him! He promised that nothing would ha
ppen!” Her cries echoed throughout the hall, invading the other rooms like a parasitic vine.

  Seconds later, Mrs. Sargent rushed back in with Mr. Brown close on her heels.

  “Oh, Miss Edith, my girl. You’ve had quite the shock,” Mr. Brown said as he approached her gently. “I’m sorry to hear what’s happened. I respected your man, I did. Come on now, let’s get you upstairs.” Mr. Brown tenderly picked Edith up as if she were a bird resting on his finger. Supporting his employer in the strong security of his arms, Mr. Brown turned to find wet-faced, runny-nosed Addie blocking the way. “Get the hell out of my way quit your shrieking, you lying cow! You have no reason to be upset. It’s not like you’ve lost anyone you care about. One has to have a heart in order to care and you have neither.”

  Addie continued to sob in response, deaf to Mr. Brown and his ire. Her behavior only irritated the tan-skinned, bristly natured man further. As he stood with Edith sobbing against his shoulder, Mr. Brown peered at the other woman and released a controlled but venomous breath.

  “If I didn’t’ know better, I’d say that you and that rat Wagner had your hands in this to keep them apart and get hold of Miss Edith’s money!” Mr. Brown loosed his fury onto Addie. “Shouldn’t you be gone by now? It’s not like you’re needed or wanted,” he added before carrying Edith upstairs to grieve with dignity. Addie stood rooted to her spot, staring at him, huffing furiously and her face blotchy from her streaming eyes.