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

by Lindsey Hutchinson

‘What the bloody hell are you doing here?’ Hortense snapped nastily.

  ‘I’ve come to tell you to leave us alone,’ Orpha replied, as she watched the familiar evil grin shape her mother’s mouth.

  ‘I don’t know…’ Hortense began.

  Orpha held up her hand as she took the only seat in the room. ‘Don’t even try to deny what you’ve done, there is proof. You burned down Father’s house in Birmingham; you burned down Peg’s cottage and you stole Father’s jewels.’

  ‘He was living there with his mistress!’ Hortense’s face contorted with anger.

  ‘Yes, Zachariah’s mother was father’s mistress. I’m aware of that fact,’ Orpha said, maintaining her composure.

  ‘Yes she was! But she is no longer; I made sure of that!’ Hortense’s anger boiled over.

  ‘You killed Mahula!’ Orpha gasped in disbelief.

  ‘It was an accident with the trap, but who would believe that? Besides, it did me a favour… one less to have to be rid of!’ Hortense was screeching now.

  Composing herself again, Orpha spoke quietly. ‘And what of the cottage, Mother? Did you know Eugenie and I were inside at the time?’

  ‘Oh yes!’ Hortense rasped through her clenched teeth. ‘I knew all right!’ Pacing the room, she went on, ‘I warned you! I told you if I ever saw you again…’

  Orpha cut off her sentence. ‘You would kill me, yes Mother, I remember. However, you came looking for me, I did not seek you out. You see, if I never saw you again it would be too soon!’ Keeping her mounting anger under control, Orpha felt her confidence soar to new heights.

  Hortense snapped her head up, ‘You’ve grown cocky!’

  ‘I’m a businesswoman now and I have no reason to associate with you further other than to give you this warning. If you persist in trying to harm me, my family or my friends, I will seek you out. I will find you and I will kill you!’ Orpha watched her mother’s eyes widen and continued, ‘Should any hurt come to any of us by your hand, I will hunt you down and make you wish the police had found you first!’

  Orpha walked from the room, leaving the door and her mother’s mouth wide open.

  As she walked swiftly down the street, once round the corner Orpha broke into a run. Her confidence had exhilarated her and the cold air added to it. Flying along the streets, she reached the shop out of breath but proud of herself. She was no longer afraid of the woman who had terrorised her for so long.

  Everyone was in the living room, debating on where next to look for Orpha when she charged into the room, a broad grin on her face.

  Telling them where she’d been, Abel berated her. ‘You were silly to tackle Hortense alone!’

  ‘I know and I’m sorry,’ she acknowledged, ‘but I think that’s the last we will hear of Hortense Buchanan.’

  ‘Somehow I doubt that!’ Abel snapped. ‘I’m going to keep the police informed.’ Turning on his heel, he left the shop.

  *

  Hortense sat on the chair that her daughter had not long since vacated. So they were on to her. Orpha now knew it was she who had killed Zachariah’s mother too, albeit by accident. They also knew that she had stolen Abel’s emeralds. Her nerves jangled as she wondered what to do next. She needed to sell the gems and quickly, which then provoked another thought. Had Abel replaced the missing emeralds with more? How could she find out? If he had, how could she get into Buchanan House and steal those too?

  It would be dangerous, but if she chose her moment wisely it could work. She had no idea how many gems Abel had, but another handful would see her settled and happy – and away from the ‘Black Country’.

  *

  The very next day, Abel had a telephone system installed at the shop. ‘You can speak with me immediately by ringing rather than travel to see me. I will brook no argument,’ he told his daughter as the engineer left the premises.

  Orpha realised it was the way of the future. She could telephone her orders through to her suppliers now too.

  The girls had taken rooms at a hotel near the shop until they were in a position to look for a house. It appeared Orpha’s prediction had come true… they had heard nothing more from or of Hortense Buchanan.

  Abel and Zach’ returned to Birmingham that same day; work awaited them at their offices, and Edna and Ezzie settled themselves on their new boat which had now sat nicely on the canal manoeuvred into place by crane, overseen by the wharf master.

  The shop had opened and business was brisk much to the delight of its proprietors.

  Realising springtime was creeping ever nearer, Orpha and Peg took a day off from the business and went in search of a wedding gown. The first day of spring, 21st March, was to be Peg’s wedding day and the girls were excited as she tried on gown after gown in the wedding shop in the town.

  Orpha looked at her sister as she stood before her. Shaking her head, she said, ‘No. Little Bo Peep is not your style at all!’

  Peg laughed and tried another gown.

  Again Orpha shook her head. The pale pink chiffon lay over layers of net swelling out from the waist. ‘It makes you look like a blancmange!’

  The one she chose at last was a white silk slip dress with long sleeves and it was covered all over with Nottingham lace which trailed behind into a short train. A fine lace veil covered her black hair and a small tiara held it in place. Simple in its design it was the epitome of elegance.

  ‘Oh yes!’ Orpha gasped. ‘Peg, you look divine! This is definitely you!’

  Orpha realised how silly she had been to be jealous of Peg and Ezzie, and how now she only felt joy for them both.

  Orpha chose a long emerald green tulle skirt and jacket which nipped in at the waist; it was the exact colour of her eyes and she chose shoes in matching green.

  With their boxed packages tied with string and looped into a handle for easy carriage, they hailed a cab back to the hotel where they were still staying.

  ‘St. George’s Church is booked for the service and the flowers are on order. Now all we have to do is wait for the day to arrive.’ Peg beamed her happiness.

  After lunch the girls returned to the shop where the others were busy. They saw Lottie had a room full of customers and Joan and Hilda Spence were working flat out in the kitchen.

  The chocolate making business had taken off in a big way and the new telephone was constantly ringing bringing in new orders every day.

  Orpha spoke as they worked. ‘We need more help in the kitchen.’

  Joan answered, ‘I have friends who are unable to find work.’

  Orpha asked, ‘Could they come to see me as soon as they can?’

  Joan smiled broadly, ‘You bet your life they will!’

  Before the week was out Orpha had two more employees in her kitchen being trained up by Peg. The girls learned quickly and their output increased in no time at all.

  For all that was going on in the business and with the wedding, her mother was never far from Orpha’s thoughts.

  *

  Hortense watched Simmons, Mrs Jukes, Alice and another stable boy as they stepped into the carriage. She snarled as she saw Jago Morton climb into the driving seat and flick the horse’s reins. The carriage moved off down the drive of Buchanan House and out onto the street. Where were they all going? They were dolled up to the nines in their Sunday best clothes and the cook even sported a feather in her hat. It looked like they were off to a wedding.

  Waiting a moment in her hiding place at the other side of the garden, Hortense debated. Should she risk trying to break in? Was the danger of being caught too great for emeralds she wasn’t even sure were there? In her mind she saw again the sparkle of the gems in her hand, and she made up her mind; this would be her only chance. She had been to-ing and fro-ing to Wednesbury to keep her eye on the house for a while now and this was the first time the property had been completely empty whilst she was there.

  Walking up to the front door, Hortense slipped her key into the lock. Nothing happened – they had changed the locks! She wasn�
�t going to give up that easily so slipping round to the back of the property, she picked up and hurled a rock through the kitchen window. Pushing out the rest of the glass with her arm wrapped in her shawl, she clambered inside. Going straight to the study, she flung back the rug and lifted the floorboard. Yes! The box was still there! Highly excited she took out the box and lifted the lid. The excitement of a moment ago turned swiftly to anger as she threw it across the room. It was empty! Swiping the oil lamp off the desk in temper, it crashed to the floor. Looking at the mess, she debated whether to set the oil alight but decided against it. This was her beloved house, one she intended to return to once the Buchanan family were disposed of. Riffling the desk drawers drew a blank, there was nothing there.

  Leaving the study, she ran up the stairs and into Abel’s bedroom. Checking all around, there was nothing to be found. Walking down the stairs she unlocked the front door and walked out, leaving it wide open behind her.

  Fuming all the way back to the railway station, Hortense boarded the train back to Wolverhampton and yet another hotel she had recently moved to. At least if she stayed put she would know where that damned family were! During the journey she thought about the emeralds; they must still be in the bank and therefore they were out of her reach… for now. The only way to get her hands on them was to see Abel and his descendants dead. Once they were out of the way, the bank would have to give her access to the gems. Then she could sell them and go abroad, somewhere warm and clean; away from the filth and grime of the ‘Black Country’. Away from the poverty and disease and choking black smoke. She would find her own little paradise by the sea, and a wealthy man who would shower her with expensive gifts. Someone who would show her the love and affection she had lacked for so many years.

  Leaving the station, she trudged back to her new hotel room to plan how to exact her revenge on her husband and all those he called family. She would not be leaving this town until she saw them all under the sod!

  Chapter 34

  Everyone was at St. George’s Church for the wedding. The staff from Buchanan House in Wednesbury; Lottie Spence and her daughters, plus the girls working in the shop kitchen. Orpha and Edna sat in the front pew and watched a nervous Ezzie as he was calmed by his best man Zachariah. The organ struck up and Abel led his eldest daughter down the aisle towards her soon-to-be husband. As the service began, Orpha scanned the church for any signs of her mother. When she saw none, she relaxed and handed a freshly laundered handkerchief to a quietly bawling Edna.

  She had noticed again, however, the tall dark-haired man who had been introduced to her as Simmons, the butler, and he had his eye firmly on her. She blushed and turned back to face the front of the church.

  Dressed in their finery, people sat in the pews which had fresh flowers attached to the end of each one. The vicar and Ezzie stood waiting as Abel, in his morning suit, began to lead Peg down the aisle.

  Everyone turned to see the smiling girl as she walked sedately with her arm looped through her father’s. The light glinted on her tiara, sending out tiny sparkles which looked like diamonds. In the silence of the church, the whisper of silk against her legs sounded like a breath of air.

  Then the first sob broke the spell. Edna sniffed loudly as she watched her son waiting for his bride, silent happy tears slipping from his eyes. She hadn’t seen him cry since he was a little boy and she was undone. Others in the congregation shed their tears of happiness for the couple as the service was conducted. Then applause sounded as Ezzie kissed his beautiful bride.

  The bells rang out as Mr and Mrs Lucas stepped from the church and were pelted with rice. The wedding had gone off without a hitch and Orpha revelled in her sister’s happiness. Orpha had booked them a night in the honeymoon suite in the best hotel in town as a wedding gift. As the happy couple set off in a carriage decorated with white ribbon, everyone waved them off before making their way to the hotel. Drinks flowed and supper was provided in the dining room and before long Mrs Jukes and Edna were kicking up their heels to a tune being played on an old piano. Simmons had cast surreptitious glances at the bride’s sister – she was a beauty and no mistake! Abel had booked rooms in the hotel for everyone knowing the party atmosphere would go on until dawn. Proved right, Abel and the guests dragged themselves wearily to their beds in the early hours.

  People with headaches and hangovers greeted each other in the dining room the following morning. Breakfasts were forced down before the guests drifted away and back to their everyday lives.

  Orpha, Zachariah, Edna and Abel lingered over tea as they discussed the situation now Peg and Ezzie were married.

  Edna asked, ‘Do you think Peg will want to work the boat with her new husband?’

  Orpha said, ‘I think things will go on much as they have before they were wed.’ She explained, ‘I am meeting with the accountant tomorrow to see how the business is faring and whether it could stand us buying a small house instead of renting the room at the hotel. Peg can move in with me, and when the boat is moored up, Ezzie can stay at the house and I can stay with Edna on the boat. I know it’s not ideal, but at least they can have the odd night together when Ezzie is home. What do you think?’ All agreed it was an excellent plan.

  *

  The next morning and after her meeting with Jonathon Peasbody the accountant, Orpha went over to see Mr Belcher. The estate agent said, ‘I will be sure to inform you of any property I deem suitable that comes onto the market.’

  Thanking him, Orpha wandered back up St. George’s Parade. She looked at the small church where Peg and Ezzie had been married. The church dominated a massive plot of land which was dotted about with gravestones. Trees and bushes added a serenity to the scene. She walked back to the shop wishing one day she could be married in that church.

  *

  Having moved yet again to another hotel, Hortense scanned the article in the local newspaper. She was surprised to see Eugenie had married that ‘cut-rat’. Moreover, the bugger had a new boat! Hortense deliberated whether she should take her money and run; leave the damn family to each other. As she folded the newspaper, placing it beside her breakfast plate, she thought of the green-eyed family and their emeralds. She knew, however, she would not leave them to inherit what she saw as rightfully hers.

  Twice now she had burned down their houses and twice they had escaped the flames. She had sunk their friend’s boat and he had acquired another – no doubt with Abel’s help. There had to be a way to get her hands on those jewels at the bank. Previously concerned with getting rid of the family, Hortense now concentrated her mind on ways to snatch the emeralds from under Abel’s nose. Formulating a plan, she retired to her room to work out the details.

  Hortense spoke sharply to the hotel receptionist, ‘I wish to make a private telephone call.’ The bored girl left her to it. Speaking quietly, she arranged a meeting with the owner of ‘The Choc’s Box’. Using a false name, on the pretext of being a customer, Hortense requested a face-to-face meeting with Orpha at a bogus address.

  ‘My shop is the last building on the left at the bottom of Major Street. Thank you my dear, I will see you at six o’clock this evening.’ Pleased the first step of her plan was in place, Hortense dropped a coin on the counter for the telephone call. Walking into the town she made a mental list of the things she needed to buy.

  Hortense waited in the building for her rendezvous with Orpha. Checking her bag and that she had everything she needed, she watched the girl approach and look at the paper in her hand and then at the building before her. Hortense guessed what she was thinking. Yes, she had the right place but the whole area was dotted with derelict structures. Was someone playing games with her? Orpha moved towards the old building, calling out, ‘Hello is anyone there?’

  Then Orpha’s knees buckled and she crumpled to the ground unconscious.

  *

  Abel answered the telephone as he sat in his office in Birmingham. ‘Abel Buchanan… I have your daughter Orpha.’ A gruff voice filtered int
o his ear. ‘I want you to bring your emeralds to the old disused coal shaft off Pond Lane, Wolverhampton at midnight tonight… NO POLICE! Then you will get your daughter back!’ The line went dead and Abel stared at the receiver in his hand. Replacing it on the cradle at the side of its stand, Abel’s brain processed what he’d heard. In a blind panic he snatched up the telephone again and immediately rang the police.

  ‘Someone has kidnapped my daughter!’ Abel was beside himself with fear for her safety. ‘I was told not to inform you… I have to be at Pond Lane in Wolverhampton at midnight tonight!’

  Abel was advised to do as he was bid by the mysterious caller; the police would be there to apprehend the person responsible. Abel then rang Orpha’s shop and was told she’d gone to meet a new client and hadn’t yet returned.

  He realised he couldn’t get the emeralds from the bank now as it had closed for the day. He had to get to Wolverhampton and find Pond Lane before darkness fell.

  Zachariah was with a client and Abel instructed his secretary to pass on the information regarding Orpha’s disappearance. Without waiting for a reply, Abel was out of the office on his way to New Street Station.

  Once in Wolverhampton, Abel bought a small leather case and as he walked around he collected a few small pebbles, dropping them into the bag. Asking directions, he was pointed in the direction of Pond Lane. Although very early, Abel found the disused mine shaft and sat down on the grass to await midnight. Looking around him, he saw old ruined buildings a little way off and more in the opposite direction. Other than that there was nothing but heathland. Sitting with his head in his hands, Abel sobbed. Could it be he would lose his daughter yet again? All for those bloody emeralds! Quite suddenly realisation struck. Who knew about the jewels other than his children and the bank? Hortense! Was her greed for the green gems such that she would go this far? Was it she who was holding his daughter? If so, where was Orpha being held? Was she in one of those buildings? Springing to his feet, Abel ran from one ruin to the next. All were empty save one which held two police constables. They nodded and, without a word, Abel returned to the coal shaft and waited for darkness to descend.