John McGuire spent the rest of the morning assuring Phoebe that all was well and that Martha simply didn't have time to let everyone know of her plans before leaving on the ship with Jebediah. He did admit that he had arranged the marriage but that was not uncommon in the aristocracy and even Phoebe had to accept the fact that arranged marriages happened often. Finally he excused himself from the unconvinced Phoebe, and set off to meet the rest of the investors.
“Gentlemen, the land we have purchased is the most desirable parcel in the area. We are very lucky that we acquired it from Jebediah Whittaker. The price may have been higher than we had hoped but we are going to make a huge profit when the mine opens.” John paused to sip his water.
One of the other investors added, “With all the miners needing homes, many tiny bungalows could be built in the less desirable sections and rented to the miners.” They had already agreed that the higher, more desirable sections of land would hold large manor homes for the mine owners and even some of the investors themselves were interested in living on the scenic hilltop.
“My construction company will handle most of the building,” John quickly added, thinking it was setting him up for a large profit. As the rest of the investors discussed the location of the actual coal mine at the far west side of the original parcel of land and agreed on a huge amount of money for the sale of that section alone, John's thoughts turned to Martha. It was a stroke of luck that Whittaker was planning to dispose of his inheritance and travel to the Americas. The fact that he requested Martha's hand as part of the deal seemed most reasonable. After all, the girl is eighteen and Jebediah is a very wealthy man now that he has sold his inheritance. He did not feel that he had made such a bad marriage arrangement for the stubborn Martha who was in need of a strong willed man.
“Geologists are currently surveying the coal site. The land for the small bungalows is being cleared, with the building scheduled to start within a fortnight.” His companions continued. This was the business deal of a lifetime and all thanks to Jebediah Whittaker. Yes, John McGuire felt that the arrangement had suited everyone very well. A great deal of money would be made in the next year.
While the partners met in the large conference room of the hotel, a tall, handsome, well-dressed young man walked into the pub on the main floor. His light fawn Tweedside jacket was loose, single breasted and reached mid thigh. The collar was small with short lapels and patch pockets were sewn at the waist. As he approached, the barman thought him to be familiar. “My, but you look like my dear old friend, Jonas Whittaker but he has been dead these past six years. Would you be one of his lads?”
“Yes sir, I'm Jeremy Whittaker. I've been in India for five years and have just returned to settle some family business. I'll have a pint of your finest ale, if you please, sir.” Jeremy Whittaker looked around the small pub thinking about how long he had been away. The cool ale quenched his thirst and the smell of pipe tobacco filled the room. India was very different from England. He found he had missed the small pubs and local atmosphere. Jeremy was dissimilar to his younger brother Jebediah, both in appearance and ambition. After traveling Europe, he settled in India, establishing a very successful import/export business there. Where Jebediah had always taken the quick, easy and sometimes unsavory approach; Jeremy was more conscientious, particular and compassionate in his actions.
Jeremy contacted the barrister, Max Smithson and arranged to meet with him later that day. It was time to dispose of the family land. He reached into his waistcoat for his pocket watch inherited from his father. His fingers rubbed the gold case affectionately. More than five years since his father's death, he now felt more in control of his emotions. Jeremy had been overwrought after the funeral. Not a day went by that he would not remember the wonderful relationship the two had shared. His plan was to dispose of the land, organize his finances, visit his younger brother in the family home and then return to India. The brothers were never close despite the fact that only twelve months separated them in age; but since Jebediah and his sons had moved back to the family home, Jeremy could not really avoid seeing him. He looked down at his gold watch and checked the time. Constantly checking the watch several times during the day was a habit. He found the watch reassuring and comfortable like an old friend. After his meeting with Smithson, he would spend the night in the hotel and then he would travel to see his brother
Max Smithson's office was in a prestigious building in the commercial district. Jeremy arrived ten minutes early but was ushered into the barrister's office immediately. Pleasantries were exchanged before Jeremy relayed his instructions to Max Smithson.
“But my dear Jeremy, I have the signed paperwork here in front of me and you have already sold all of the vacant land that your father left you. I prepared the land sale myself over six months ago. You will notice all of the paperwork contains your signature.” The barrister handed the pile of papers to the shocked and confused Jeremy. There at the bottom of each page was the signature of J. Whittaker but it was not his own.
“This is not my signature and I assure you that I have not sold anything. I want to know exactly what is going on here. Who signed these papers and why would you transfer land without my say so? Start talking, sir and it had better be good.” Obviously distressed, his face had become scarlet. Anger boiled in his veins as he waited for the now confused and a little frightened, barrister's answer.
“But Jeremy, your brother assured me that you had signed everything when he visited you in India and I was instructed that you were most anxious to have the transfers done as quickly as possible. He handled the entire sale with the buyers and Jebediah himself delivered the papers to my office just before leaving on his wedding trip.” The barrister had begun to sweat profusely and his hands were shaking as he took his handkerchief from his waistcoat. Was it possible that he'd been tricked by one of Jonas Whittaker's sons? This could have very dire consequences indeed.
“My brother did not visit me in India. In fact I have not seen him in several years. I did not sign anything and I know nothing of a land transfer or a wedding trip. I suggest, Mr. Smithson, you contact these buyers and inform then that this transfer is not legal and that I demand a meeting with them immediately. I'll be staying at Pheasant Run, unless you have sold it as well.” The barrister wiped his brow, then rose as the irate Jeremy stomped out of the office.
Max sat shaking for several minutes after Jeremy departed and could not believe what had just happened. Max knew he was lax in his treatment of the land sale because Jonas had been his friend and he trusted Jebediah. The man was so organized and confident. Aware that Jeremy had been in India for years, he just assumed that he was not interested in retaining title to the acres of farmland his father left to him. Jebediah was living at the manor house, Pheasant Run and it now occurred to him that it was the only land that had not been sold. In hindsight, he didn't even question the fact that Jebediah delivered all of the paperwork and never called a meeting with the barristers present. What was to become of him when this was exposed? Most of the buyers were business associates of his. His reputation would be in shambles. How could he have been so stupid?
The meeting of the land developers was going well and the papers to transfer the land to the mine owners were ready to sign, once the geologist survey was complete. Yes these businessmen had been shrewd in dealing with Jebediah Whittaker. Some of them even felt a little guilty since they had heard the rumor of the existence of coal on this land before Whittaker approached them. Little did they know that it was Jebediah himself that had started the rumors. The coal was where the profits lay. Just as the brandy was poured, the door opened and Max Smithson walked into the room.
“Smithson, what are you doing here? We are in the middle of a meeting at the moment,” one of the developers barked.
“I'm afraid I have some very bad news for you gentlemen.” Wiping his forehead with his handkerchief, the barrister relayed the information. The shocked and enraged businessmen stared in confused si
lence until Smithson was finished.
“But Whittaker took our money for the land and we demand that his brother honor this land transfer,” shouted the men in unison. “ We are not going to take this lying down. We paid a large sum of money for this land and we intend to keep it. Why, clearing is going on as we speak. Get this Jeremy Whittaker in here now, we need to talk.”
Several hours later, John McGuire returned to his home. White, shaken and bewildered he sank into his favorite chair. This couldn't be happening. Jeremy Whittaker was the owner of the land that Jebediah sold them. This was unbelievable. Jebediah assured them that he was the heir and his barristers had handled all the paperwork. Now Jebediah was gone with thousands of pounds of their money and his brother, Jeremy who had not been in England since his father died, was demanding either payment or his land returned. Legally the land still belonged to Jeremy Whittaker and John and his overly anxious partners had been defrauded of their money. Their only recourse if they wished to continue, was to pay for the land again. They had reported the fraud to Scotland Yard and at least Jeremy Whittaker was willing to negotiate. The sheriff had informed them that the likelihood of finding Jebediah Whittaker was slim and even if they did locate him, he would have to return to England before he could be charged.
Suddenly John McGuire bolted upright in his chair. “ Martha, oh my God what have I done?” Phoebe entered the room just at that moment and seeing the state of her brother-in-law rushed to his side.
“John, what is it? John speak to me.” Phoebe ran to find Emma as John McGuire slumped, unconscious in his favorite chair.
Chapter Six- The Invitation
Austin Wells, preoccupied with his own thoughts, sat in the railway station waiting for his train to Northumberland. He unconsciously twisted the end of his mustache. The smell of coal hung in the air. The station bustled with passengers and noisy conversations. He hardly noticed the many young ladies vying for the attention of the handsome young man with brown wavy hair and dark coffee eyes. The lounge suit he wore was very flattering with trousers, waistcoat and jacket all made from the same fine tweed. His reefer, a double- breasted overcoat, sat neatly folded beside him on the bench. The message from Phoebe had been urgent. He worried about Phoebe and Martha. He still did not understand why Martha left the country without so much as a word to him. They were true and faithful friends since the age of five and there was not an event in either of their lives that they did not share with each other. Something was definitely wrong and he hoped that Phoebe would have some answers for him. He rolled the words of Phoebe's message over in his mind.
Your company is requested to discuss an urgent matter. Please come at once.
Back in Northumberland, Jeremy Whittaker, seated in the large leather chair was most comfortable in his smoking jacket of cashmere as he stared at the invitation in his hand. Why is John McGuire's sister-in- law inviting him to the manor house? The barristers were handling the fiasco of his brother's fraudulent actions; his curiosity was peaked by the invitation. Jeremy decided to stay in the family home until the land matter resolved. Pheasant Run was all he really needed and had it not been located on the other side of the county, it may have been sold as well. He certainly understood the land developers concern over this matter and was anxious to get it settled. Although he sympathized with their situation, he insisted on being paid for his land and the transfer, about three quarters of the original sale price, was going through in a few days. Jebediah really pulled the wool over everyone's eyes. Jeremy was shocked at the lengths Jebediah had gone to. The brothers were born strangers and remained that way. Jeremy was very angry and disappointed with his brother but had no idea where he was and resolution was unlikely.
Very curious indeed, his thoughts returned to the invitation in his hand. The black ink on the embossed invitation seemed to jump off the paper.
Your company is requested to discuss an urgent matter. Please come at once.
He heard that McGuire had taken ill but was not sure how that situation would concern him. Well, he would just have to go and find out what this was all about. He leaned back into the soft plush chair and sipped his brandy, the strong liquid warming his body.
“I tell you John, this is the only answer.” Phoebe paced back and forth in the great room. John McGuire, looking pale and much thinner, sat in his favorite chair in front of the fireplace with a blanket over his knees. “The doctor said that you had to take it easy for the next few months and someone has to do something. You paid that horrible man and then handed him your daughter as well. Who knows what terrible things he has done to Martha.” Phoebe rung her hands together as she paced in front of the two large mullioned windows. Heavy blue draperies hung on either side making a solid backdrop for Phoebe's agitated motions. Her tiny figure was taut with tension and excess energy.
“Phoebe, please, I know I have made two terrible mistakes and I do not need to be constantly reminded that my daughter may be in grave danger.” John could still not believe the events that had taken place over the past few weeks. The land partners decided to go ahead and buy the land from Jeremy Whittaker, in spite of the fact that more money was to be paid. Hopefully they would recover some of the money when the mine was sold but the profit margin was definitely shrinking by the day. Martha was another matter altogether. He sent his daughter off to the Americas with a criminal and now they didn't even know where she was. He was stricken with this illness and not able to go and search for her. Phoebe was right; something had to be done.
“Mr. Austin Wells is here to see you, sir.” Emma announced as Austin followed her into the great room. “Shall I bring in the brandy now, sir or will you wait for the rest of the guests?”
“ We'll wait Emma, thank you. Austin, how good to see you, however serious the circumstances.” John McGuire remained seated but offered his hand to young Austin.
“I'm curious as to exactly what the circumstances are Mr. McGuire.” Austin was surprised to find the usually vibrant John McGuire, seated and pale. Austin gave Phoebe a serious look as he kissed her hand in greeting.
“All in good time, Austin. We are expecting another guest and we shall discuss this matter when he arrives.” Phoebe returning Austin's concerned glance, continued her pacing.
Jeremy arrived within minutes of Austin and was shown into the elegant great room. Phoebe took in Jeremy's physical features and confident air. His hair reminded her of the color of toffee and his green eyes were gentle and full of wisdom. Phoebe Hunter appreciated handsome men and this one was worthy of her appraisal. After introductions were made, the two young male visitors stared at each other with obvious curiosity and confusion. Emma returned with brandy and the young men waited to learn why they had been summoned.
“Unfortunately, I find myself in need of assistance and although I have been taken ill, I must find my daughter. There has been a serious miscarriage of justice here and Martha should not be married to Jebediah Whittaker. The man is a trickster and a thief. I have asked you both here to request your help.” John McGuire coughed as he tried to retain his composure. Even John's voice was weak as he relayed his needs to the guests.
“But I do not see what possible assistance I can be in this matter, sir. I do not even know your daughter and although I would indeed like to find Jebediah, the sheriff has informed us of the unlikelihood of that.” Jeremy was watching Austin with increased curiosity. Was this the rejected lover of Martha McGuire, and what was this to do with either of them?
“Please, let me finish sir. I'm looking for a competent man to travel to the Americas to find Martha and bring her home. I realize that Jebediah would not return willingly and would escape our attempts to bring him back to England, but I want my daughter back here as quickly as possible. I'm not asking either of you to go to the Americas, but I'm asking if you could recommend someone for this delicate position. Jeremy, you are a world traveler and a businessman and I'm sure you have many business contacts.” John covered his mouth with his fist as he cou
ghed before continuing. “Austin, you have known Martha all of your life and if you can think of anyone that will help me with this I would be very grateful. I'll pay all of the expenses for this person as well as a tidy sum of money upon the return of my daughter. I'll leave this with you, gentlemen, and appreciate any help and information you can give me as soon as possible.” Once again John stopped to cough. “ Now if you will excuse me, I must lie down. Phoebe will provide you with further information.” Wheezing, a ghostly pale, John McGuire rose slowly and with Austin's assistance left the room.
Austin returned to find Jeremy and Phoebe involved in an intense discussion of the arranged marriage of Jebediah and Martha and the ill health of John McGuire. Austin wondered what possible help Jeremy could be, obviously wanting to be left out of this family business. It was his brother Jebediah that had caused this problem however, and perhaps Phoebe expected Jeremy's help as restitution for his brother's sins. Jeremy did seem to be genuinely concerned about the situation. Reluctantly, Austin admitted that the fellow impressed him. Jeremy was self confident, straightforward and appeared genuine. Perhaps he would provide them with the right person to find Martha. Austin, knowing Phoebe since he was a child, knew that what Phoebe wanted, Phoebe usually got. Personally, he was considering taking the job on himself. Martha was not only his best friend but the sister he had never had and he loved her with all of his heart. If she needed him, then he must go to her. But where was she?
“Leave this with me and I'll return in a few days with any information I can provide.” Jeremy rose, realizing he was becoming involved with the McGuires in spite of himself. Phoebe was charming and very convincing. He was sad to see the vibrant John McGuire, deteriorating with guilt before their eyes and Austin Wells had definitely peaked his curiosity. The young man seemed very concerned with Martha's welfare; perhaps he was right in his assumption that Austin and Martha were romantically involved. He admitted to himself that the idea of revenge against Jebediah was an appealing one. His brother brought great shame to the Whittaker family and Jeremy knew that it would be up to him to uphold the family name. Jeremy was very much like his father, considering respectability and honesty to be important qualities. Jebediah always preferred deceit and trickery and as a boy, he was a bully and a troublemaker. Yes, it was his duty to see that Jebediah did not escape unpunished. He owed his father that much.
Dreams and Nightmares Page 7
