by Gracie Hart
‘Your sister! Yes, of course, I can see now, it’s Mary-Anne, isn’t it? Goodness, its’s been a long time. When did you return? Eliza never told me of your arrival.’ Grace shot Eliza a questioning look and then turned to look at Mary-Anne more closely.
‘I only arrived a short time ago and I am just catching up with my sister before moving into my new home on Hyde Park Corner. I’ve been lucky enough to purchase a residency there.’ Mary-Anne smiled.
‘It sounds as if America has been kind to you and you look so youthful and elegant. It would be a delight for us to be of assistance to you if you were in need of our services as dressmakers, Miss Wild.’
‘Please, it is Mary-Anne, Mary-Anne Vasey, nowadays. I married while I was over in America.’ Mary-Anne looked Grace up and down and then smiled at her sister, hoping that she would not contradict what she was about to say. ‘I’m afraid I came back without giving Eliza any warning of my arrival. You see, my husband died suddenly and I just felt the need to come back to my family.’
‘Oh, my condolences, Mrs Vasey, it must be a terrible loss for you. Especially seeing that you are still so young.’ Grace Ellershaw patted Mary-Anne’s hand gently. ‘If there is anything I can do, please let me know.’
‘Thank you, Miss Ellershaw, but I think you have done enough for our family. I am impressed at the business that you have set up with my sister. She has come a long way from the little shack that we both had in Woodlesford. We both have.’
‘I couldn’t have done it without Eliza. I might have had the money, but she had the skills, determination and excellent fashion sense. This business is as much hers as mine. I just keep the books in order, which is why I am here. I seem to have misplaced my order entry book. I believe it might be in my desk.’ Grace walked over to the desk next to the window that overlooked Boars Lane and pulled open a drawer, taking out a large invoice book covered with marble effect paper. ‘Yes, I thought as much, I’d forget my head if it was not screwed on.’ She tucked it under her arm and smiled at Mary-Anne and Eliza. ‘Now, I’ll leave you both alone, you must have a lot to catch up on. Good day to you both. Eliza, I will see you in the morning.
‘Yes, Grace, we need to discuss the new line in corsetry. The representative has just dropped us some new samples in.’
Grace smiled as Eliza inclined her head and left the room.
After Grace had departed, Eliza threw a questioning look in her sister’s direction. ‘What was that all about?’
‘Don’t you start lecturing me, our Eliza. I’ve got to get myself known to the Ellershaw family and make them think that I’ve gone up in the world.’
‘You told her John was dead! How could you do that? You are tempting fate and bringing bad luck upon your head. That was just sinful!’ Eliza scowled at her sister.
‘I need to make William aware that I am a footloose and fancy-free widow and that I am in no need of his support. Your friend Grace is bound to tell him. They were once so very close, I’m sure that she will not hesitate for one minute in relaying my reappearance.’
‘You are a wicked woman, Mary-Anne Wild, and yes, that is your true name I’m using. I will not use poor John Vasey’s name, just in case he reappears like a ghost from America. This will not end in a good way if you lie about the ones you love.’
‘But I don’t love him any more. I told you how he treated me. I need better things in my life and I’m going to get them,’ Mary-Anne said firmly.
‘Then God have mercy on us all because although it is good to have you home, I can’t help but think you’ve bought more trouble to my door. Just don’t hurt Victoria, she is the innocent one in all this and don’t you forget it.’
Chapter 12
‘Oh, Prissy, you don’t look at all well. Are you eating?’ Jessica Bentley could not hide the concern on her face as her oldest and closest friends sat down next to her in the tea shop that they frequented once a month on Woodlesford’s high street.
‘Yes, I’m eating, I’m just having difficulty sleeping, especially if I don’t take my tonic. I sometimes wonder if what the doctor gives me helps me. I’ve tried not to be so dependent on his tinctures but I just can’t manage without them. Life seems to be so hard, the days are so long. William is always at work and when he isn’t, he either hides in the study with a drink or can be so demanding of me that I dread him coming to bed at night.’ Prissy held her handkerchief to her mouth and quelled a sob. ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t talk about such personal things, but I have no one else to turn to.’
‘Men can be such beasts, which is why I’ve never married. William is an uncaring cad, even Grace will back me up with that, when she joins us shortly. As you know, she does not have a good word for him at the moment, but she does share the same concerns as me over you. You wouldn’t think that she and William are brother and sister they are so unlike and yet they used to be so close. I doubt that it’s William’s wealth and business have turned him into an ogre. Grace is such a lovely woman, while I’m afraid your husband is such an uncaring beast.’ Jessica stopped her conversation as the shop girl placed an elaborate plate of cakes and fancies upon the table in front of them both, and poured the tea.
‘Oh, is Grace joining us today? I’d rather hoped we would be by ourselves. She looks at me with such pity. She knows what exactly I have to endure with William. It’s only because he has so many mills to keep his eye on, and he worries about his employees and property. He even works late into the night, in order to keep his business successful.’ Priscilla bowed her head and tried not to make eye contact with Jessica, who she knew had no time for her husband.
‘He still should show you more care, Prissy, there is no excuse for his lack of diligence towards you.’ Jessica looked at Prissy over the top of her tea cup.
Priscilla whispered to Jessica not to discuss her fragile state of mind as the shop door opened and Grace walked in.
‘Afternoon, ladies. I trust we are all well?’ Grace passed her mantle to the shop girl and sat down in her usual chair, smiling at both her friends.
‘Afternoon, Grace. Is Sarah not with you?’ Jessica asked.
‘No, she sends her apologies. She has had to go down to London with her husband. His father has been taken gravely ill, so it was only right that Freddie was by his bedside.’ Grace pulled up her chair. ‘If the worst happens, she thinks that they may have to move down to London, to take over the estate. Poor her, she hates her mother-in-law. She wraps Freddie around her little finger and he doesn’t stand up to her. So, how are you two? What tasty morsels of gossip have you got for me?’
‘Life is quiet. Father is busy at the brewery. That is, when his head is not turned by his new love of plants in the orangery.’ Jessica reached for a cake.
‘I’ve nothing new, it seems an age since I went anywhere.’ Prissy sipped her tea.
‘You look tired, Prissy. Are you keeping well? Or is it that intolerable brother of mine giving you worry?’ Grace looked at her close friend in concern, she was so frail.
‘I will never change William, so no, it is not him. It is just that I am having trouble sleeping, as I’ve just told Jessica. But please, I don’t wish to talk about it. I’m fine. Nothing for you to be concerned about.’ Priscilla gave a wan smile.
‘Well, I’ve some news.’ Grace reached for a highly decorated fancy and cut it into two, enjoying the faces of her friends that were full of anticipation of what she was about to say. She delicately ate her first mouthful.
‘Go on, you are obviously dying to tell us,’ Jessica said.
‘Do you remember Eliza’s sister? Well, Mary-Anne Wild is back from America. Although she is no longer Mary-Anne Wild, she is now Mary-Anne Vasey.’
‘Who?’ Jessica asked.
‘Eliza my seamstress’s sister? You surely remember? She used to work with her sister when we first found Eliza in that ramshackle hut across the street, next to the butcher’s.’ Grace pointed out of the tea-shop’s window to where the hut once stood. ‘We had tea wit
h her once in this very establishment?’
‘Oh, yes, I remember. She was very attractive. Long auburn hair. Has she come back for her daughter? After all, Victoria is hers, isn’t she?’ Prissy leaned forward. As long as it distracted attention from her, any news was welcome.
‘She’s bought a house up on Speakers’ Corner. She’s also a widow, her husband has died, and he must have left her quite comfortably off by the sounds of it – given the house and the way she dresses.’
‘Is she still as beautiful?’ Jessica enquired.
Grace sighed. ‘I think even more so. Age seems to suit her.’
‘Some women are so lucky. I have to try so hard to keep my looks.’ Prissy hung her head.
‘Nonsense, you are just as beautiful. It’s my brother that gives you sleepless nights and makes you look so pale and drawn. We all know that.’
‘Is her daughter to live with her? Jessica enquired.
‘I really don’t know. I only spoke to her briefly when she was visiting Eliza at work. I hope not – it would break Eliza’s heart if she lost her. George also enjoys Victoria’s company, he treats her like his little pet. If she was to live with her mother it would be more awkward for him to see her.’
‘He’s still friends with her then? Does he not have anything better to do in his life? Surely he should be looking at more suitable girls of marriageable age by now?’ Prissy smiled.
‘Friends, yes, very much so. Although my father would be furious if he ever found out he still visits. He dislikes the Wild family, no matter that Eliza has made me, his daughter, a small fortune and a name for herself. He always has hated them and I don’t quite know why.’
‘Well, I think we should welcome Mary-Anne, especially if she is as wealthy as you think she is. Both sisters are to be complimented on raising themselves from out of the gutter. It just shows what women can do, with or without the help of menfolk.’ Jessica smiled at Grace, knowing full well that neither of them would ever marry. Independence was their freedom, and they were more than grateful when they saw the lives Sarah and Priscilla had to endure, married to their husbands of so-called status.
‘And what did you do today, dear wife? Yet another day of sleeping and idling the hours away?’
William Ellershaw poured himself a brandy and sat down in his chair next to the roaring fire as he glared at Prissy doing her cross-stitch.
‘I had tea with your sister and Jessica Bentley, actually. A very enjoyable afternoon it was as well. I sometimes think I should make myself go out more often, it does my spirits good.’ Prissy wondered why she was honoured with his presence. Work must not need him and he must be in no mood for his gentleman’s club or his mistress else he would not be here.
‘And what did those two witches have to say? Did they fill your head with their worthless gossip and ideas? No wonder no man will look at either of them, they are both miserable old maids.’ William swilled his brandy down.
‘We had much to discuss. Sarah has had to follow her husband to London and Grace also said that Eliza Wild’s sister has returned from America.’ Priscilla looked up from her needlework and noticed William taking notice in what she had said for once.
‘Eliza Wild’s sister. Am I supposed to know her?’ William enquired.
‘I think so, you once brought her to tea with you. You should recall Mary-Anne Wild, although now she is called Mary-Anne Vasey. She took your eye, if I remember rightly. Anyway, she’s back from America, a wealthy widow and living in Leeds near Speakers’ Corner. Grace was full of it. Jessica said we should welcome her into society, even though she is of lowly birth. I don’t see why we should – all the money in the world won’t give her the breeding that is expected in our circles.’
‘She was nothing more than a tart, if I remember correctly. Isn’t it her illegitimate daughter that Eliza Wild looks after? Both sisters are as common as muck. I don’t know why my sister got involved with that family. Just for once I agree with my father: Grace should have had nothing to do with them. They are not our sort. Thank God that she had the sense not to make her a partner in her shop, I know she talked about it at one time.’ William snorted. ‘I think Father and our solicitor persuaded her against it.’
Priscilla smiled. ‘I quite admire them. From what I understand, they are both so independent.’
‘Well you would, because you are as empty-headed as my sister. Women should know their place, it is a man’s world and they would do well to remember that.’ William finished his drink and slammed down the empty glass on the small teak table by his side. ‘If that’s the best conversation that you can have, I’m going to my bed. You’ll be glad to know I’m leaving you alone tonight.’
William rose from his seat and made his way up the curving stairs of Levensthorpe Hall. Prissy started crying, but she was thankful that she would not have to satisfy her husband with his perverted ways that night.
In the silence of his room, William lay on his bed and thought about Mary-Anne Wild. He had never forgotten the beautiful girl who had slipped through his fingers. Now she was back, he could find her and see if she still took his interest. Especially if she was now a woman of substance, which would be the icing on the cake. He’d visit his sister at home and get to find out more about Mary-Anne Vasey. Was she still as beautiful? More to the point, would she be interested in him, now he had everything a woman desired? Perhaps he should start looking at getting rid of Ruby Bell. He had grown tired of her and Mary-Anne would fit her place perfectly.
Chapter 13
Eliza looked across the breakfast table at Victoria. Her niece was strangely quiet, engrossed in her own thoughts. It had been hard to judge what had gone through her head when her mother had told her that she was leaving her yet again to lead her own life. She had shown no emotion when told and now had little to say to Eliza. Above their heads, the floorboards creaked as Mary-Anne tidied her room and packed her few belongings before going into Leeds and her new life with Ma Fletcher.
‘Are you all right, Victoria? Not too upset about your mother leaving us, to live in Leeds?’ Eliza decided to break the silence and confront the problem of Mary-Anne’s leaving, head on. ‘At least she won’t be too far away this time,’ Eliza added, trying to make light of the situation.
‘Why shouldn’t I be all right? She’s just someone who has come into my life for a few fleeting moments and is now moving on. Neither her nor I have formed any attachment because we don’t know one another and never will. I’m not wanted by her and to be quite honest, I’m grateful for that. Because what I’ve seen of her, I’m not keen on. She’s so brash and common. Besides, you are my true mother. It is you I owe my existence to, you have always shown me love and care.’ Victoria fought back the tears as she heard her mother close her bedroom door and come down the stairs.
‘Well, that’s me packed. Let’s face it, I didn’t have a lot.’ Mary-Anne looked at her daughter and her sister and felt there was tension in the room. ‘You know I’m not deserting you, don’t you, Victoria? Not again. I’m only living in Leeds for the moment and once I’m able to stand on my own two feet, I want you to come and live with me. Share our time together, the way mother and daughter should do. I can’t give you the things that your aunt Eliza has, not yet, so it is for the best that you stay with her.’ Mary-Anne kissed her daughter on her cheek but the gesture was not returned.
‘I’ve told Victoria that you will visit us frequently and that she is free to visit you at the house at Speakers’ Corner any time she wishes. It’s not as if there are hundreds of miles of ocean between us, this time you are only four miles away.’ Eliza saw the hurt on Mary-Anne’s face as she felt her daughter’s coldness towards her.
‘Of course I will, and you will come to see that I am leaving in the belief that I hope to set us up in life with my work looking after Ma Fletcher.’ Mary-Anne ran her hand over Victoria’s shoulder and smiled.
Victoria withdrew from her mother’s touch. ‘I don’t care what you do. Why should
I worry, you’ve never worried about me.’ Victoria threw her napkin down on the table and pushed her chair back, crying as she ran out of the dining room past her aunt and mother upstairs to her bedroom.
‘Victoria, you are wrong, I do love you. It’s because of you and the hope of a better life that I’m doing this.’ Mary-Anne stood at the bottom of the stairs and shouted up to her daughter.
‘Leave her be, Mary-Anne, she’s upset. She thinks you are leaving her again. Just as she was getting to know you.’
‘But I’m not. I’m going to be there for her now no matter what and I’m going to make sure she gets what she deserves, if I possibly can.’ Mary-Anne looked up at the top of the stairs and tried to decide whether to climb them and hug her daughter as she heard her sobbing in her room.
‘Just go, she’ll be fine. I’ll see to her. I’ll suggest she visit me at work this afternoon. I will arrange a carriage to pick her up, and she can choose a new dress from our new range. That should cheer her up.’ Eliza picked up her sister’s carpetbag and handed it to her. ‘Don’t worry, she will come around once she knows you have no intention of leaving her life completely. Now go. Ma Fletcher will be expecting you.’ Eliza smiled. ‘She does love you, she just feels hurt.’
Mary-Anne sighed. ‘What would I do without you, Eliza? This is my one chance to make things more even for us all. I hope one day Victoria will realise that.’
‘Shush. Stop worrying and know that we both love you. Now, leave Victoria to me. She will be fine, believe me. If I’ve time we will come and see you at the beginning of next week, once you’ve tidied up your new home and settled in.’
Eliza kissed her sister as she said goodbye to her on the doorstep of Aireville Mansions. She watched her as she made her way down the street, her carpetbag in her hand and her stolen fur wrapped around her neck.
In the window above, the net curtain moved as Victoria watched her mother leaving her once more. She wiped her tears away and vowed that she would not let her hurt her again. Aunt Eliza was more of a mother than her true mother would ever be.
