The Lost Sisters: A gritty saga about friendships, family and finding a place to call home

by Lindsey Hutchinson

  ‘Oh my God! Why didn’t you tell me?’ Abel’s voice was a mere whisper.

  ‘How could I? She would have made my life hell as opposed to just miserable. Then, that day after you left for work, she threw me out. I walked for hours before I was accosted by a carter.’ She heard the sharp intake of breath from those around her. ‘I was saved by Ezzie Lucas who took me to his mother Edna on their boat. They were so kind and gave me a ride to Birmingham. I walked the town in the hope of seeing you, Father, then in exhaustion I leaned on a shop wall. Mrs Toye, the owner, thought me a lady of the night plying my trade. When I fainted from lack of food, she took me in and she and her husband took care of me and taught me a trade… how to make chocolate.’

  ‘Thank God for kind people!’ Abel said.

  Orpha continued, ‘I had saved some money, so decided to travel home and face mother’s wrath. However, in the end, I was too scared. So I bought a train ticket to Wolverhampton. I stayed overnight in a hostel where my belongings and money was stolen. I visited the market to scavenge food, which was when I met Peg. It was like an invisible thread drawing us together.’

  They explained their reason for being in Birmingham and how Peg, seeing the advertisement in the newspaper, had made an appointment while Orpha visited the Toyes.

  The family talked long into the night until Abel suggested they retire to bed. Zach helped his half-sisters make up the beds in the spare rooms and bidding them goodnight he went to his own room.

  Each lay in their beds going over the conversations. Abel felt a deep relief at having his daughters back and they had met their half-brother. He had shared with his children his guilty secret and they had not stood in judgement of him for which he had been grateful. He was convinced now that he would leave Hortense after the way she had treated his daughters. He had his children and that was all he needed.

  Peg was hardly able to believe she had a family after having so long thought she’d been abandoned because they didn’t want her. In fact, she had a father who had loved her, and it was clear he still did. She had found a sister and half-brother and her smile in the darkness stretched wide.

  Zach’ was astonished at having two half-sisters who looked exactly like him. He knew, without question, his mother would have loved the girls. He was able now to understand his father’s extended absences as he was growing up.

  Orpha was delighted beyond belief to have her father back and meeting her half-brother for the first time. It seemed all was well in her world and she hoped long would it continue.

  Finally exhaustion took them all into dream-filled sleep.

  *

  The following day saw the Buchanan family board the train for Wolverhampton. Abel wanted to see where his daughters had been living and Zach was eager to visit the town, never having been there before. Sitting in the comfortable first-class carriage, the family chatted together as though they’d never been apart. No one else was in the carriage and Abel thought this a good time to explain about his adventure mining emeralds and the inheritance that would come their way one day.

  Abel’s children gaped at him as he explained about his journey to Colombia and mining for the green stones

  When they arrived in Wolverhampton, Peg led them down Raby Street and out across the small heath to the cottage, her home. Ushering everyone into the small kitchen, she set and lit the fire while Orpha pumped water from the standpipe outside. Before long, they were all seated with hot tea and a meal of bread and cheese. The girls began to explain about their business of chocolate making and how they wished to expand. They wanted their own shop, and eventually a string of shops.

  Zachariah enquired about supply and demand and Orpha pulled her account ledger book from a drawer and passed it to him. Going over the figures, he passed the book to his father. Rolling his eyes down the columns, Abel said, ‘I think you could do better if you ordered your cocoa and sugar from Birmingham. It’s cheaper there and you could have it brought by barge.’ Zachariah nodded his agreement.

  ‘Ezzie!’ the girls suddenly said in unison. Orpha explained, ‘Ezzie runs a boat; maybe he would bring it in for us. We would have to find a supplier first though. I’m sure Ezzie wouldn’t mind if it meant seeing Peg… sorry Eugenie!’

  ‘I can’t get used to that name,’ the girl said with a blush. ‘I’d rather be known as Peg by you all, if you don’t mind. I’m a little more used to it.’ With smiles all round it was agreed.

  ‘Oh my goodness!’ Orpha said suddenly. ‘We’ll have to get new labels printed! That’s more expense.’ Rushing to get a box of chocolates, she placed it on the table.

  The men looked at the box and nodded. ‘You will indeed, you’ll have to change Meriwether to Buchanan,’ Abel said as he watched Zachariah take the lid off.

  ‘Oh Father, look at these!’ Taking a chocolate from the box, he eyed Orpha, ‘May I?’

  ‘Please do,’ she replied as she glanced at her sister.

  Abel snatched up a sweet too and both men chewed, the pleasure on their faces saying all.

  ‘Bloody hell, girls!’ Abel said at last. ‘These would rival Cadbury and no mistake.’

  Zachariah agreed, helping himself to another.

  ‘Brother,’ Orpha said to the boy, his eyes opening at the endearment, ‘we’re going to need your help to find suppliers in Birmingham. Peg, you’re going to sweet-talk Ezzie, if you’ll pardon the pun.’

  They all laughed as a knock sounded on the back door and Edna Lucas yelled out, ‘It’s only us.’

  Ezzie and his mother strode into the kitchen to be faced with four black-haired, green-eyed people. Ezzie gaped.

  ‘Found yer father then I see, oh gel I ain’t half pleased for you!’ Edna said as she sat in the chair Zachariah vacated for her. ‘Thank you, young man.’

  Introductions were made and Abel noticed Ezzie only had eyes for Peg. A sudden thought popped into his head; and he wondered if it would not be long before he was paying for his daughter’s wedding. Smiling at the thought, he watched as his family excitedly related their plans to the friends who had joined them.

  Ezzie readily agreed to the transporting of the goods needed from Birmingham and suggested Zachariah and Abel travel back with them on the boat as they were going straight through with no stops. Once there they could sort out suppliers for the products the girls needed.

  It was agreed that they would rendezvous at the wharf the following morning as Abel and his son wanted to spend more time with the girls. ‘I only have one available bedroom,’ Peg said, but as their discussions flowed freely no one felt the need for sleep. All were too busy reaffirming their bonds. Abel reiterated it was never his intention to hurt Hortense or Mahula, and that he was only trying to do his best by both women. Now it was his plan to do right by all three children. He determined that his family would never be parted again.

  Abel now knew where his daughters were and that he could visit any time he chose to. As for Hortense, she would see a side of him she wouldn’t like one bit.

  The next morning, hugging both girls tightly, he and Zachariah set off for the wharf. Ezzie and his mother welcomed them on board ‘The Sunshine’ for their boat ride to Birmingham.

  Chapter 24

  Hortense bought newspapers from the boy standing outside New Street Station in Birmingham as she made her way onto Hill Street. Hotfooting it along Corporation Street, she saw the hotel she was looking for. Once inside she booked a room for the night, saying she was shopping for the day then visiting the Grand Theatre that evening. The bored receptionist gave her a key to her room and yawned. Insolent girl! Hortense thought as she shoved the key into her bag and walked out of the hotel.

  Roaming the town, she knew for her story to hold water she would have to buy something. After purchasing a vase and a carriage clock and a few other items, she settled herself and her packages in a tea shop to read the newspapers. She hadn’t bought them to read but thought she might as well before she used them as kindling at the house in Aston Street.r />
  After more shopping Hortense returned to her room at the hotel, instructing the receptionist she would be eating in the dining room at seven o’clock sharp. Relaxing on her bed, Hortense went over her plans for the evening. She would have her meal then spend a few hours in the theatre before using the darkness as cover whilst she walked to Aston Street. With the newspapers and the small tin of lamp oil tucked safely in her bag, she would round the house and set fire to the back door. The oil would be an excellent accelerant.

  Happy with her plans, she closed her eyes for a brief nap.

  *

  On strict instructions from Simmons, Jago Morton, the stable boy from Buchanan House, had been very careful not to be seen by Hortense as he followed her everywhere she went. He had waited in a nearby doorway while she had been in the tea shop. Then he had followed her to the lamp oil shop before she went back to the hotel. Leaning in a nearby doorway once more, Jago pulled out the food the cook had given him for his journey. Simmons had provided the money for the train and extra for any eventualities that may arise. Finishing his bread and cheese, Jago lit a hand-rolled cigarette and continued his watch on the hotel door. If Mrs Buchanan didn’t come out again, it would be a long night for Jago standing in wait.

  The weather had threatened storms and it brought the darkness earlier than usual. Jago prayed it wouldn’t rain as he walked a few paces to stretch his tired legs. Just then he saw her come out of the hotel. Thank the Lord for that! the boy thought as he watched her cross the road. His glee evaporated as he saw her enter the Grand Theatre. Bloody hell! More hanging around! Jago moved to the theatre and stood to the side. Finding a patch of grass, he was relieved he could sit down and still keep watch.

  Leaning back on his elbows, Jago surveyed his surroundings, his eyes flicking back to the theatre every few minutes. Lying back fully on the grass, he propped his hands behind his head. The walking and standing around had made him tired and he fought to keep his eyes open.

  A sudden shout had Jago sitting bolt upright and at that moment he saw Hortense leave the theatre and walk further up Corporation Street. Jumping up, the boy followed as he realised the shout of nearby revellers had woken him. He had been asleep! He could have missed her exit from the theatre! Thank goodness he hadn’t, how would he have explained that to Simmons and Mrs Jukes who had entrusted him with this task! Walking on the opposite side of the street some way back, Jago watched the woman as she turned right into James Watt Street. Hanging back at the intersection, he waited to see where she would go next. The shops were all closed now and he felt it was a bit late for a woman alone to be going for a stroll. Reaching the end of the street, she turned left into Stafford Street. Sprinting forward, Jago endeavoured to make as little noise as possible. His boots on the cobbles would give him away as surely as eggs were eggs. He smiled in the gathering darkness as he watched from the end of the street. Taking off his boots, he tied the laces together and flung them over his shoulder. Hortense continued up Stafford Street and straight on into Aston Street. From his position, Jago waited. He could see where the woman went from where he was and he could run silently forward in just his socks if he lost sight of her.

  Hortense stopped and looked around her before ducking into a house driveway. Jago shot forward. Out of breath, he reached the house standing in its own grounds. What was she doing here at such a late hour? He knew she didn’t have family in these parts so what had brought her to this house? Looking around him, he could not see the woman he had followed all day. He cursed under his breath. He had lost her! What should he do now? He could wait a while to see if she came out again, or he could sidle up the driveway and chance being seen. If he were seen, he might be taken for a burglar, then he would have to explain to the police that he had followed the woman as he believed she was up to no good. It sounded ridiculous even to him and it was hardly a defence against jail time. Jago considered what to do next.

  Suddenly a flash of light from the back of the house caught his attention. Pushing himself into the huge hedge that surrounded the house, Jago watched. A faint glow showed at the back of the house and the boy wondered what it could be. As he peered around the hedge, he caught sight of Hortense walking hurriedly towards him. Dashing a short way up the street, Jago hid in the hedge of another house as Hortense emerged from the driveway. Looking both right and left, she hurried back down Aston Street, the way she had come.

  Jago walked back to the house driveway and looked at the building. Gasping, he was horrified to see large flames shooting upwards. As he watched, the windows exploded and he prayed there was no one inside. Shoving his feet into his boots, he quickly laced them and took off at a run. Out of Aston Street, Jago shot across the tramway and ran down Steelhouse Lane. Barging through the door of the police station, he shouted, ‘House on fire in Aston Street!’

  The sergeant of police immediately sent a constable to the fire station off Upper Priory. ‘Wait!’ he shouted to Jago as he made to leave the station. ‘What can you tell me about the fire?’ the sergeant asked.

  Jago caught his breath and said he’d seen a woman in the vicinity of the house at the time of the fire.

  ‘I see, and where did this woman go?’

  ‘I think she’s gone back to the hotel on Corporation Street opposite the Grand Theatre.’ Jago had misgivings about relating his story to the police. Would they believe him? Would they think he had set the fire for some reason? Knowing they would keep him there until he told all he knew, he told the sergeant everything. Jago saw the other man’s scepticism as he finished speaking.

  ‘So,’ the sergeant said sarcastically, ‘if we were to visit the hotel, we would find this arsonist?’

  ‘Yes!’ Jago insisted. ‘We have to go now.’

  ‘All right lad, hold your horses, but I tell you now if this is a wild goose chase, I’ll lock you up myself!’ The sergeant sniffed as he told another constable where he was going and to watch the desk whilst he was away.

  The sergeant and Jago walked quietly down Corporation Street to the hotel. On entering, the sergeant asked which room Hortense Buchanan was in. The receptionist pointed the way and the man and boy walked to the room. Knocking on the door, the sergeant held up a warning finger. Jago cowered.

  The door opened and Hortense gasped, ‘Jago?’

  ‘Madam,’ the sergeant began, ‘I wish to ask you a few questions in connection with an incident which occurred earlier tonight.’

  Seeing the policeman had made Hortense gasp with surprise. She invited them in, wondering what mess the stable boy had got himself into.

  ‘Now then,’ the sergeant began, ‘our boy here tells me he saw you in Aston Street tonight.’

  Hortense shook her head, saying she had been to the theatre.

  The sergeant cast a frown at the boy stood beside him. ‘She was in the theatre,’ Jago said, ‘then she went to Aston Street!’

  ‘Why would I go there?’ Hortense asked. ‘I have no business in that street.’

  ‘Except to burn down a house!’ Jago snapped before the sergeant could stop him.

  The colour drained from her face as Hortense realised she had been seen doing the dirty deed.

  ‘How dare you accuse me of such a thing?’ she rasped. Trying to get herself back on track she added, ‘Do not bother to return to Buchanan House, Jago Morton… you now find yourself without a job!’

  ‘Now, madam, let’s not be hasty here…’ the sergeant said with a sigh, but Hortense cut across his sentence.

  ‘Hasty! This boy has accused me of arson!’ She was clearly rattled and the sergeant wasn’t sure of who to believe.

  Jago saw the dilemma the policeman was in and said, ‘If I had set that fire, would I have come to you to report it?’

  Looking at Hortense, the sergeant said, ‘The lad has a point there.’

  Hortense whirled away from them and plonked herself on the only chair in the room, gathering her long skirt about her knees.

  ‘Would you mind answering me one more
question, madam?’ the sergeant asked, casting a glance at Jago.

  Hortense nodded indignantly.

  ‘Can you tell me what that is on your skirt?’

  Looking down, Hortense made to brush the mark from the material and her hand came away covered in oil. As her eyes met those of the policeman, she saw him draw his lips together. ‘I think you need to come along with me to the station. You…’ he said to Jago, ‘get yourself off home, I know where to find you if I need you.’

  ‘There’s no train until tomorrow,’ the boy said.

  ‘In that case, stay here. Mrs Buchanan won’t be needing the room now and I’ll explain to the girl on the desk on the way out.’

  The sergeant grabbed Hortense by the arm and dragged her unceremoniously out of the room. All the way back to the station she protested her innocence which the Sergeant duly ignored.

  Jago sat on the bed and sighed with relief it was all over, but then he wondered why his mistress had set light to the house in Aston Street.

  *

  While Jago Morton watched from the street, Seth Walker, the stable boy at the house in Aston Street, had heard someone approach the house from his bed in the stables. Usually staying in the house, Seth had made up his sleeping quarters to tend an unwell horse. Creeping to the stable door, he peered through the top which had been left open for fresh air for the horses. Watching intently, he saw a woman bending down by the back door. What was she doing? He watched as he saw her stand and take a step backwards. Suddenly a flash of light impaired his vision for a few seconds before he saw the woman turn and walk away. She had set fire to the house! Seth’s shock had him pinned to the spot and as the fire took hold the woman looked around her before rushing away from the house. Recognition registered as he saw her face in the firelight. He’d seen her before… at this very house!

  Seth could see by the way the fire licked the building he would be unable to put it out himself. He could ride to the fire station for help, but he also knew he would be too late. Smoke billowed then he heard the windows shatter with the heat. He knew there was no one in the house as he’d seen the masters leave that morning with the two green-eyed girls and they had not returned.