‘Let us say yes, and that way a place is set. If she decides not to join us then no harm is done.’
‘Thank you ma’am, tis a good idea.’ She returned to the kitchen with her hands full of dirty dishes.
‘Is your sister still in bed?’ Albert asked, his tone had changed from the happy nature it donned only minutes ago.
‘I’m not sure. You know she likes to spend time up their alone. I will go up and see if she wishes to join us in the square. It is a beautiful day outside; it would be a shame for her to spend it alone inside.’
Chapter 10
Tom
I ran straight upstairs with the books and placed them on the small bookcase located in the corner of my room. Up until now it didn’t have any books on it, apart from the few school type books that Mr and Mrs Summers had given me to help my reading and writing. Instead of placing the books together with spines facing out, I decided to lay them next to each other so I could see the front. Never had I owned anything before living with Mr and Mrs Summers, so I was determined to look after them the best I could. As I changed into my work boots I tried picking which book to read first. I lay my best shoes next to my bed so as not to get them dirty. When I ran back out of my room I bumped straight into Miss Lucy, who was anything but pleased to see me.
‘Watch where you are going,’ she snapped. ‘What’s all this running around the house for, it’s not a football field, and we are certainly not on fire?’
‘Oh I’m sorry Miss Lucy, I was in a hurry ya see because it’s my birthday today and we’re goin’ into the square to play cricket.’
‘Cricket? What a stupid idea. I hope you’re not expecting me to be joining you.’ She brushed past me and headed down stairs. I decided to give her a minute’s head start so as not to get in her way again. When I got to the bottom of the stairs Mr and Mrs Summers were standing in the sitting room waiting for me, the cricket equipment in their hands ready. Lucy was in the dining room shouting through to the kitchen that she wanted a cup of tea.
‘Let’s go out now,’ Mrs Summers said, encouraging us all out of the front door.
***
The square was still reasonably quiet, and we found a spot near the centre. Mr Summers pointing out we are further away from any of the houses that way, just in case. Mrs Summers had brought a blanket and laid it on the grass for her to sit and watch us; she also had a summer umbrella to shade her from the strong sun. The sun was already getting warm and it was barely past ten o’clock.
Mr Summers allowed me the first go with the bat, throwing a few easy balls for me to get used to it. It wasn’t something I had ever done before, so it took a handful of try’s before I finally hit one. Before long I had found the rhythm and was hitting the ball more often than missing. One even headed right towards Mrs Summers who had to duck to avoid being struck in the head.
‘Sorry,’ I shouted, and upon hearing her laughter we all burst into hysterics.
It came time for me to be the bowler and Mr Summers to bat. After a couple of throws that barely made it, and then a couple more going far too quick, I finally got it right. Mr Summers found his stride straight away and I was amazed at how good he was. After only a handful of hits I was out of breathe chasing after the ball that more often than not ended back on the road side. Mrs Summers was a great crowd member, cheering us on. She even started to boo Mr Summers, as a joke, which made me laugh so hard I couldn’t chase the ball.
After nearly two hours play we decided to return to the house for refreshments. The time had passed so quickly. Thankfully Lucy had returned upstairs and the atmosphere in the dining room could continue being more relaxed. We had our lunch prepared by Ms Lowney and Miss Baily. Two types of sandwiches and some pastries that Ms Lowney had hand made. To finish we all had a slice of the cake, it was Victoria sponge with strawberry jam in the middle. I had never tasted anything quite like it. The sponge was fluffy and tasted of vanilla, and the strawberry jam was sweet making my mouth water, and craving another slice.
In the afternoon, Mr Summers agreed to join me again in the square for more cricket practise, and it wasn’t long before some of the other kids on the square were asking to join in. Mr Summer stayed for a little while longer, but eventually left me with my new friends to play. I could see Mrs Summers occasionally watching us from the window, a smile on her face told me how pleased she was I liked the gift.
Chapter 11
Lucy
I stayed out of the way most of the morning. They were celebrating the orphan's birthday like he was their own child. I just couldn’t understand it. I could never comprehend the way my sister's mind works. I am perfectly aware that it is not his fault he was abandoned as a child, and I do not begrudge the helpless being offered help to a certain extent, but there is a big difference between helping them and letting them move in with you. Albert is just to blame, I would have expected better of a man running for Lord Mayor of London, and someone of his highly sort after education and upbringing. The entire household was insane; there surely was no other explanation. I was pleased to stay in my room and out of the way for as much of the charade as possible.
In the early afternoon, Tom and Albert were out again playing so I headed to the kitchen for some lunch. My sister who I thought was also outside caught me at the bottom of the staircase.
‘There you are,’ she said as though worried about me, ‘I was hoping you weren’t going to spend all day up there. Why not join me on the green; I have a blanket and umbrellas to shade from the sun.’
‘No thank you dear sister. Far too hot to be sat around watching them hit a ball backwards and forwards.’
‘Is there something wrong? You seem awfully on edge today.’
‘I think Vic that I am simply in need of returning home. I feel like I am stuck in between two dwellings at the moment. Mourning the death of my husband and being a burden on you.’
‘You know I don’t see you as a burden. You’re my sister and I am more than happy for you to stay until you are ready.’ Her voice rose as she spoke, a temper rising to match my own.
‘Either way it is time I left. I had said Monday, but I think that is delaying the trip for the sake of it. I will go out shortly and arrange transport to collect me tomorrow.’
‘You know Albert can help with that, simply let him know the time and he can arrange a carriage.’
‘I am quite capable of arranging my own transportation. I am going to have to do much more of that kind of thing now I am a widow. You would not understand, you still have your husband.’
I walked passed her and made my way through to the kitchen, Ms Lowney and Miss Baily nowhere to be seen.
I spent a great deal of time in my room that day, mostly flicking through the books that lined the shelves; none of which engrossed me enough to read. There was barely anything for me to do, and by mid-afternoon I needed to get some fresh air. With no real destination in mind I decided to leave the house and go for a walk. I would arrange my transportation home whilst out. Albert could never understand why I didn’t simply take a train, but I much prefer going by road. The sound of horses hooves along the road, especially in the summer breeze, make for a much more pleasant journey; regardless of how long it took.
I left the house wearing a black dress. Victoria had bought me a couple of coloured items such as a beautiful pale blue summer dress and matching hat, but I had only donned the black dresses since being here. I had spotted Tom in the square and decided to walk around so as to avoid him. When I reached the far side of the square I was shocked to see the man from the bar, the one whose name I never seem to catch.
‘What are you doing here?’ I could hear the venomous tone in my own voice.
‘Good afternoon Lucy. I am pleased to see you looking so well.’ His voice was always so calm.
‘What do you want?’
‘I came to see that you were okay. The last I saw you were a little worse for wear after so many drinks.’
I slapped him on the arm
and walked around him, taking off at speed, but he easily managed to keep up with me with his long striding legs.
‘Leave me alone. How dare you turn up here and spy on me.’
‘You should be careful, getting yourself in such a state around a tavern full of men. Somebody could have taken advantage of you.’ I stopped and stared at him.
‘What exactly is that supposed to mean? Are you threatening me, because I will scream for a police officer if you don’t leave me alone.’
‘Madam I simply ensured you made it home safely. Had I wished to harm you I would have had no difficulties, but I simply chose to help you get back. A beautiful woman like you must be taken care of.’
I allowed my expression to soften before walking on. I do remember that it was he who helped me into a cab that night, and he was not stretching the truth about the state I had been in.
‘Well thank you for seeing me back safely. I admit you are correct about the dangers in the city and it was silly of me to allow myself to reach such a state.’
I was a little embarrassed now, after all he had been a gentleman ensuring my safety and here I was verbally attacking him. As I stood and looked at him I couldn’t help think that he was reasonably good looking, not the kind of man I would normally look at in that way, yet there was something about him that intrigued me; a mysteriousness that almost felt attractive. We reached the main road together and I paused for a moment to think where I was going.
‘Do you need me to hail you a cab?’ he offered.
‘Oh, no I am not going anywhere in particular, just getting some fresh air. I was just trying to think where it is I can book a cab to take me home tomorrow.’
‘Tomorrow?’ He sounded surprised. ‘I thought you were returning south on Monday?’
‘I was, but I have decided to leave earlier. I am a burden on my sister, even if she does not dare to admit it.’
‘I have a horse and carriage if you would allow me to take you. I do long distance passenger trips from time-to-time for friends, it would be no bother.’
Something about his offer made me cautious, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. I had no reason to doubt him, he has after all been nothing but a gentleman to me thus far. ‘Would you be available to collect me tomorrow evening, I was hoping to travel as much through the night as possible. Do you have a large roofed carriage?’
‘That will not be an issue. Shall we say I will collect you at 9 o’clock?’
‘That would be perfect. How much do you charge?’
‘Let’s not worry about that now. We can discuss it on the journey how much you are able to give me.’ He turned and walked away from me, and I watched him disappear around the corner. Most men are strange; I probably don’t have anything to worry about. He is no more a stranger than if I had arranged another carriage to take me. It is probably just the anticipation of the long journey that is giving me butterflies.
Chapter 12
Victoria
I was surprised to see my sister back so soon that evening. Even more so the absence of alcohol on her breath surprised me. Tom was upstairs reading his new books with Miss Baily, and Albert in his office working as usual. He was preparing a speech he would give at some work event on Monday night, I couldn't remember what it was but I knew I had to be there by his side.
Lucy came into the living room and sat down beside me. I was a little surprised as this past week she had seemed more distant with me than usual. She sat there for second before speaking, and simply sighed as she slouched into the seat.
‘Is everything okay?’ I asked, putting down my book and noticing the concerned look on her face.
‘I don’t want my leaving tomorrow to be on bad terms.’ Lucy said to my surprise. ‘I know you would never say it, because that is the person you are, but I know I haven’t been the easiest to live with these past weeks.’ I couldn’t argue with her, I was tired of trying.
‘What time are you intending on leaving tomorrow?’
‘I have a carriage collecting me from outside the house later in the evening. I thought travelling mostly through the night would be easier.’
‘I still don’t know why you refuse to go by train, it would be much faster.’
‘I will get my things packed this evening so that I am ready to leave. I think I still have a few of your garments that you loaned me when I first arrived, I will check whilst packing.’
‘Oh don’t worry about them. Will you be joining us to church in the morning?’
‘Perhaps. I shall see how I feel in the morning.’ I knew that was a polite no; I had invited Lucy to church with us every Sunday of her stay and she hadn’t joined us once.
‘Ms Lowney is making a large Sunday roast for our return. I hope you will join us for dinner at least. Let’s call it the last supper before you return home.’
‘A last supper? Are you planning to crucify me?’ She let out a small giggle, the first I had heard from her in a long time. ‘In all seriousness though, that would be lovely, thank you. I have to admit mothers’ cooking is not as good as Ms Lowney’s. She has always managed to burn the easiest of meals, yet still refuses any assistance in the kitchen.’ We both laughed at the thought of Mother’s flustered face. ‘In fact, I am beginning to wonder why I would want to move in with her.’ My face dropped, and she must have seen for she replied almost instantly. ‘Not to fear sister, I am still going.’ We laughed again, I felt a sliver of guilt that she caught my reaction.
The two of us spent the remainder of the evening in the sitting room together undisturbed. Alone, and in a good mood my sister can not only be manageable, but occasionally pleasant to be around. I couldn’t fully blame her bad moods, being widowed must be unsettling not to mention the worries of moving on alone, but still that does not give her reason to upset everybody around her.
We spent the evening talking about many subjects. I told her the names Albert and I had come up with for the baby.
‘Oh thank goodness you did not allow him to choose. Did he really suggest Ernest?’ She laughed with an almighty howl. It was the first time I had seen her happy in the longest of times. ‘I suppose now I am becoming an auntie I will have to learn how to knit something for it. I do despise knitting.’
‘You don’t need to tell me Lucy, I remember your attempts extremely well. I think it is better if Mother makes the gifts. You can just buy the wool.’
‘Deal.’
The night drew on without either of us realising it. We talked about her return home and her plans to go through her husband’s belongings.
‘Would you like me to send any suits up for Albert. There will be quite a number of them and it would be a shame to throw them all away.’ I accepted, but only out of politeness. Albert is much taller than her late husband was.
‘When I get the house in order you are to come and stay. The baby will be born then too so I will make sure there is room for you all,’ she seemed most excited about the idea, ‘and we can take a day trip out of the beach. All children love the beach.’
The grandfather clock in the hallway made a low chime, it was 11 o’clock already. Lucy wished me a goodnight and took herself off to bed. I remained in the living room for only a moment longer, poking at the fireplace to ensure the fading embers had all died. I blew out the candles sat upon the fireplace and took hold of the one perched on the coffee table. As I drew over the large drape across the window I jumped with fright as the silhouette of a man walked by. My heart stopped for a moment before realising it was one of the neighbour’s husbands returning home from the pub. He didn’t see me in the window and continued marching past towards his own house. The suitcase on the doorstep had sent me back into a fearful state. I hadn’t told Albert about the case yet, and I wondered if there was any point. I knew he would only try and reassure me, but something about that case being left on the doorstep didn’t feel right. It had his mind games written all over it.
Chapter 13
D
I was watc
hing her from the darkness of the green. Seeing the fear in her eyes at a simple man walking past gave me such delight. I had been closer to the window earlier and peered inside to see Victoria and Lucy sitting together talking, but I knew Albert was somewhere inside and did not want to be spotted too close. With the curtain finally drawn I knew the household was asleep once more. I would not return until nightfall the following day, when I would collect Lucy and take her away.
I had already acquired a horse and cart, taken from an elderly man, who I decided no longer needed it. I was walking through Hyde Park at the time. I knew that carriages passed through here in the night, despite there being barely any light at all. The carriage, pulled by two horses, made its way through the deserted park and the driver barely noticed me until it was too late. I haled the horses to a stop and dragged the man from his perch. Kicking and shouting he tried to fight me off, but I was far too superior to his efforts. I left the horses and dragged the man to the waterside of the lake. His cries and pleas echoed under the bridge as I dragged him into the water and forced him under. He struggled for some time, and the filthy water splashed everywhere. Finally his body went limp, and I pushed him out where he sank to the bottom. I returned to the horses and checked inside the carriage for any valuables. It had nothing in it except a sack of letters. I threw the sack out onto the ground before guiding the horses out of the park and in the direction of Victoria’s house.
I had left the carriage parked on the corner of the square as I stood and watched Victoria’s house. He fright at the gentleman walking by her window had me amused for the rest of the night. I used the carriage now to travel to the other side of London. I wanted to return to the underground bar run by Jack; he told me if I needed anything that I was simply to ask. The roads through London were much more pleasant at this time of night, with less people around it was almost enjoyable. The journey to the bar also took much less time than if I had walked and when I arrived at the circular building with domed roof I was not alone at the entrance.
D_Revenge Hits London Page 6
