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

by Lindsey Hutchinson

  Moving from one to the next, the warehouses were all of similar size and shape… just big, square, empty buildings, exactly what they were meant to be… storage areas.

  ‘Why on earth did you buy these, Orpha?’ Zachariah’s question echoed around the empty space.

  ‘I really have no idea!’ she said. ‘These are the ones that belonged to Ashley… obviously he needed money and decided to sell them.’

  ‘So as a charitable act you bought them?’ Zachariah asked.

  ‘In a way I suppose, but the offer was too good to miss,’ she said, brushing dust from her long burgundy skirt.

  ‘Ah now I see… you bought bones from the butcher on the off-chance you might get a dog!’ Zachariah smirked at his half-sister.

  Orpha’s laugh resounded in the room and she turned to leave, saying, ‘Zachariah what am I to do with them?’

  Zachariah said simply, ‘Use them as they were intended… rent them out!’

  Zachariah and Orpha discussed her plans with Mr Belcher who said he would be able to help. He had two young men he knew who needed dry storage for their painting and paperhanging business. They agreed a sum to be charged for rent, and Orpha left her warehouses in the capable hands of the trusted estate agent.

  Mr Belcher was true to his word and before long each warehouse housed goods of one sort or another and the money poured in, in the form of rent.

  *

  Ashley Rochester walked through Birmingham on his way to relieve yet another older woman of her money and any small trinkets he could pocket and sell. As he walked, he again began to feel quite unwell. Could he be getting yet another head cold? If this continued, he really would have to see the doctor.

  He had sold the old buildings in St. Matthew’s Street left to him by his father and wasn’t surprised that they had been snapped up. What had surprised him, he’d learned after the signing of the contracts, was who had bought them. Orpha bloody Buchanan! It wasn’t as if she needed them. Or was it she was feeling sorry for the down-and-out Ashley? Well, he would show her! He would have money one day, and lots of it, and when he did… he would rub her nose in his success.

  Banging on a front door, he was let in by an older woman who was very pleased to see him. Within an hour he was on his way to his next rendezvous, his wallet a little heavier and a pair of diamond earrings clutched in his sweaty palm. The woman would know he’d taken them, but he didn’t have to go back there. He had lots of other ladies to visit, and besides, he was sure they had insurance for loss, damage or theft.

  Not revealing where he lived was his insurance policy against anything going awry, such as being reported to the police for theft. Then of course was the aspect of scandal. These women would have to admit to having a young, virile man in their bed who was not their husband. Yes, the women would keep their mouths shut and suffer their losses. Not one would risk having her name sullied by the scandal that would be rife, and the police would be looking for a man who they would never find! Ashley considered himself safe enough to continue with his business for now, and if he thought himself in danger… there were lots of other towns!

  *

  Simmons had hung the sergeant’s uniform in his closet after visiting Hortense. He had washed the flour from his hair and put the spectacles and false bushy moustache and eyebrows in his dresser drawer. Then he had gone down to the kitchen to brood. What he’d learned from Hortense could not be shared with the other staff – at least not yet.

  He had to find a way to inform Orpha of the reason she could not have married Ashley Rochester, but all ideas eluded him. He was faced with an impossible task. Orpha was busy with her shops and factories and didn’t seem overly bothered about Rochester any more. She had cast him from her life without a backward glance. Yes, the man had hurt her, that much was obvious at the time, but she had picked up her life and moved on.

  Simmons smiled to himself. The girl he adored was very resilient, nothing kept her down for long. His mind slipped back to Ashley. How had the man gotten away with all he had? He had been caught out visiting other women and satisfying their desires in exchange for money. He had openly boasted about becoming the owner of ‘The Choc’s Box’… unfortunately for him he had bragged to the wrong person, Orpha’s mother! That had been his undoing and now saw him out of the running for Orpha’s hand in marriage.

  Simmons’ smile became a low chuckle. He would be keeping a close eye on Mr Ashley Rochester in the future. The man’s money would completely run out at some point, as would his luck, and he would have to move on. When he did, Simmons would not be far behind him.

  For all Rochester had done, he had been clever and left no evidence behind for which he could be arrested. Simmons was now aware of where Hortense Buchanan was living but had omitted to pass this information to his superiors as yet. Orpha was taking care of the woman who appeared to be behaving herself, so Simmons was content to let sleeping dogs lie – for now.

  *

  In the parlour, everyone was gathered for dinner. Young Ralph was sleeping soundly upstairs and Peg stood to make an announcement.

  ‘Everyone,’ she called out, ‘I am very happy to tell you I am pregnant!’ Hugs and kisses were passed around and Orpha yanked the bell pull by the fireplace. Alice scuttled in a moment later and was asked to bring the staff to join them in the celebration of some good news.

  Orpha watched her sister as she beamed at the congratulations given to her, and felt a pang of sadness. She had her businesses and money but Peg was far richer. A husband, a son and now a new baby on the way, Peg was rich in love and luck.

  Simmons watched Orpha watching her sister. He longed to take her in his arms and comfort her. He saw the sadness that weighed her down for all her efforts to hide it. He saw that sadness flit to joy in her green eyes as she hugged Peg. She too could be a master of disguise.

  Mrs Jukes and Edna had their heads together discussing names for the new baby and Abel and Zachariah were clapping Ezzie on the back for a ‘job well done’.

  Orpha had marvelled when Ralph was born with a fine down of black hair like his mother, and how as he grew his eyes took on the sparkling green brilliance; the Buchanan family trait. The Buchanan Emeralds. Would this new baby be the same or would it follow Ezzie’s fair complexion? Orpha didn’t really care as long as mother and child were safe and well.

  As it was a special occasion, Alice was asked to reset the dinner table, the staff would be eating with the family this one time.

  Simmons knew it was completely unheard of for staff to eat with family and he revelled in his good fortune to be butler to the Buchanans. This was a very special family… and the staff were made to feel part of it. He watched Orpha closely over the dinner table, her green eyes sparkling in the lamp light and she returned his glances with a smile. The wine flowed freely and before long they were kicking up their heels in the parlour to the latest tune banged out on the piano by Jago. There would be sore heads in the morning but no one cared as they partied long into the night.

  Chapter 55

  Chill winds began to blow and winter made herself known. The trees had shed their leaves and the sun struggled to make a weak appearance. The fires in the house were banked high to keep the rooms warm and aired and Mrs Jukes pulled out her winter recipes for hot, wholesome food. The sky threatened snow, although, as yet, none had fallen. Orpha had increased her order for coal for both Buchanan Mansion and her mother’s house in Derry Street; she didn’t want anyone falling ill from the bitter cold she knew was just around the corner.

  Gazing out of the parlour window, Orpha reflected on her life; of all the things that had happened to her and how she had come through stronger for the experiences. Her one regret was that she had no man to share it with. She had her family and she loved them all, but it was not the same. She had no one to cuddle her on cold nights, no one to share her thoughts with, her anxieties and her pleasures. Amid a house full of people, Orpha Buchanan was lonely.

  ‘Penny for your thoughts a
gain, ma’am?’

  ‘Oh Simmons, I didn’t hear you come in. I was just… wondering what the weather held for us,’ she lied.

  Simmons placed the tea tray on the table, saying Alice was busy baking bread so he’d stepped in to bring up the tea.

  ‘Simmons, do you remember I once asked if you’d ever been in love?’ Orpha asked innocently. The butler clamped his teeth together and nodded. ‘May I ask you a personal question?’ At his further nod she went on, ‘Never mind, it doesn’t matter,’ Orpha said, shaking her head.

  ‘If you are wondering why I never married, it’s because she was set to marry another ma’am,’ Simmons said guardedly.

  ‘I’m sorry, Simmons, I shouldn’t have pushed. It was rude of me.’

  ‘That’s all right, ma’am,’ Simmons cleared his throat, ‘Is there anything else I can help you with, Miss Orpha?’

  The girl lowered her green eyes to the tea tray and shook her head. Simmons began to leave the room when a sob had him stop in his tracks. Turning back, he said, ‘Miss Orpha, are you all right?’ Instantly chastising himself for asking a stupid question, he could see she was very definitely not all right. She was sobbing for God’s sake!

  Rushing up to her, Simmons pulled her up from her seat into his arms and placed his lips on hers. He felt her body lean into his as she succumbed to his kiss. He felt her arms gently wrap around his shoulders and her fingers touch the back of his neck. His blood was on fire as he kissed her passionately. It was everything he had dreamed of and more.

  Releasing her, he stepped back and saw her eyes were closed a fraction longer than they should have been. She’d enjoyed that kiss every bit as much as he had.

  Now the lady of the house and her butler stared into each other’s eyes, neither knowing what to do next.

  *

  Hortense had worried about the visit from Sergeant Jack but as time passed and she heard no more, she had relaxed. Obviously Ashley Rochester was still giving the police the slip, otherwise she would have known from the newspapers. He appeared to be a rogue although somewhat lacking in the brains department. She was wondering how she could learn more about him when opportunity knocked on her door and Orpha walked in.

  Orpha greeted her mother and walked straight to the fire to warm her hands while Hortense made hot tea.

  ‘I was just thinking about you oddly enough, when you walked in,’ Hortense said as she eyed the girl over her teacup.

  ‘Oh yes?’ Orpha asked.

  ‘Yes, I was wondering what happened to that Ashley bloke?’ Hortense pursued.

  ‘I have no idea,’ Orpha replied. Her mother was on the questioning warpath again.

  ‘Where is he living?’ Hortense was enjoying the girl’s discomfort.

  ‘Over on the East Side he told me…’ Orpha began.

  ‘But you don’t believe that?’

  ‘No.’ Orpha cut her answer short.

  ‘Why not?’ Hortense couldn’t contain herself.

  ‘Because, Mother, he lied to me about other things!’ Orpha snapped.

  ‘Oh I see,’ Hortense grinned.

  ‘Mother, you do not see! You have no idea what Ashley Rochester is like!’ Orpha’s patience was already threadbare.

  ‘So tell me!’ Hortense had no intention of giving up, so Orpha relented and related what she’d discovered about the man she almost married.

  Hortense let out a cackle. ‘Bloody hell, girl, you almost got wed to a gigolo!’

  ‘Mother, don’t be smug!’ Orpha’s embarrassment sailed up her cheeks in a red hot flush. ‘It was pure luck I found him out before the wedding took place!’

  ‘Indeed! Imagine the gossip… the newspapers would have had a field day with that!’ Hortense was openly laughing now at her daughter’s distress. ‘You know, I take it, the police are looking for him?’

  ‘No! Why?’ Orpha was shocked at the words.

  ‘I’ve no idea. They wouldn’t tell me.’ Hortense was revelling in knowing something her daughter didn’t.

  ‘They came here?’ Orpha asked, her eyes wide now.

  ‘Yes, they wanted to know all about him, of course I couldn’t tell them much as I don’t rightly know him. I’m surprised the police didn’t come to you too though.’ Hortense watched Orpha’s face as the girl shook her head.

  ‘No, they haven’t been to see me,’ Orpha said quietly.

  Leaving it at that, Orpha explained the good news about Peg’s pregnancy and saw her mother’s face screw up in disgust.

  ‘Girl should learn to keep her knees together!’ Hortense spat.

  Orpha felt now was an excellent time to leave.

  *

  In the carriage on the way home Orpha’s mind whirled. The police were searching for Ashley… why? What had he done to warrant police involvement? It was bad enough the way he had treated her, but this, whatever it was, must be far worse.

  Then there was Simmons and the kiss they had shared. Whatever had she been thinking? He was the butler! She had openly kissed her butler, but she had enjoyed it, far more in fact than any kiss from Ashley. She remembered overhearing him tell the staff he loved her, and in the privacy of the carriage she smiled. She lived again his lips on hers, the flush of passion she’d felt as she kissed him back. She recalled how she allowed herself to fold into his arms and suddenly she realised she knew what true love was.

  On reaching home, she went straight to her bedroom where she could analyse her thoughts and rationalise her feelings. Her mind compared the two men: Ashley was a lying, cheating bully; Simmons was kind and gentle, always ready to defend her. Ashley was greedy for money; Simmons never mentioned it. Ashley wanted her business for himself; Simmons supported her in her every endeavour. Ashley had hardly ever said he loved her; Simmons had told the staff he did. But with all this said, Simmons was still in her employ.

  It seemed Orpha was destined to bounce from one crisis to another her whole life, never to be settled, never to be truly happy, never to be married.

  Chapter 56

  Ashley’s funds were running very low and the business with his ladies was making him tired and listless, he was feeling ill far more often. Maybe it was the onset of winter that had him so low; he should really see the doctor but his lack of money prevented it. Maybe he should rest more, but he needed to earn money to feed himself. He never would have been in this position had it not been for Orpha’s mother. Perhaps it was time to visit her again.

  Wrapping up warm against the bitter wind, he trudged across the town. Coming to the house, he banged on the front door. As the woman opened it he pushed his way in, slamming the door behind him.

  ‘What do you want with me?’ Hortense rasped. ‘I told you not to come here again!’

  ‘Well I’m here now!’ Ashley yelled into her face. ‘I want to know everything!’

  ‘I’ll tell you this,’ Hortense sneered, ‘the police are looking for you! Whatever it is you’ve done, they are on to you my lad.’

  ‘I am not your lad!’ Ashley’s anger bubbled up.

  If only you knew! Hortense thought as she glared at him.

  ‘Now tell me what you know or else!’ He raised a hand as if to slap her.

  Hortense smiled, she was not afraid of him. ‘Do your worst… my lad… because I’m not telling you anything other than if you hurt me, the police will lock you up and throw away the key!’

  Ashley’s anger spilled over and he bunched his fist and drove it into Hortense’s face and blood poured from her nose. The woman fell backwards onto the floor and hit her head on the corner of the fireplace. She was not moving… was she dead? His anger dissipated as he looked at what he’d done to Orpha’s mother. Lifting her head, his hand came away covered in blood. Dashing into the kitchen, he wiped his hand on a tea cloth, cleaning the woman’s blood from his skin. He was now very afraid he may have killed her. Taking one more look at the woman on the floor, he turned and ran from the house.

  That afternoon, Orpha requested Jago drive her to see her mother
. Stopping the carriage outside the house, she said, ‘I won’t be too long.’

  After a moment Jago heard the scream.

  ‘Mother! Oh my God!’ Orpha saw her mother lying on the floor. Running outside, she yelled, ‘Jago, help me…!’

  The boy jumped from the carriage and ran into the house.

  ‘Oh Christ!’ he said as he gently lifted the woman into his arms and carried her to the carriage. Urging the horse forward up Vicarage Road, he turned into Cleveland Road and then into the grounds of the Wolverhampton & Staffordshire General Hospital. Orpha had ridden in the carriage with her mother.

  Hortense was carried into the hospital and Orpha went in with her. Jago was sent to tell the family what had happened. Orpha watched the doctor examine her mother who she thought might be dead, but Hortense’s moans told her otherwise.

  The doctor was asking Hortense questions as he checked her thoroughly. Orpha said her name was Hortense and the doctor nodded.

  ‘Hortense, do you know where you are?’ the doctor asked. Hortense gave a tiny nod of her head and the doctor continued. ‘Do you know who did this to you?’ Another tiny nod. ‘Can you tell us?’

  Hortense gathered her strength and whispered through clenched teeth, ‘Ashley Rochester… he hit me…’

  ‘Ashley Rochester?’ the doctor repeated.

  Hortense nodded once more, then sliding her eyes to her daughter, she said, ‘I’m so sorry Orpha.’ Closing her eyes, Hortense Buchanan let out her final breath.

  *

  Zachariah and Abel were in their office in Birmingham when Jago took the news back to the house. Ezzie was out on boat business and Peg refused to go to see that woman in the hospital. Edna elected to stay with Peg. Therefore it was Simmons who rode back to the hospital with Jago. By the time they arrived the police had been contacted by the hospital and Orpha and the doctor had been interviewed. There was now a manhunt on for Ashley Rochester.