by Abby Ayles
Elias returned to his seat but not his work. He turned the chair to face the window and looked at the sky and the passing clouds. It was her birthday today. She was nineteen.
“Happy birthday, Helena,” he said to himself, his fingers tracing the line of his jaw thoughtfully. He had intended to spend this day with her, to treat her to a meal and some present that she found suitable. There would be no such celebration for them. Elias wondered if there would be any at all, given the circumstances.
How had it slipped him? He would never have made that appointment if he’d recalled.
The days had begun to meld into one as his pursuit for truth continued. Elias searched every angle he could think of to try to find out what truly happened at Repington’s Goldsmith & Jewellers, and why Ambrose Leeson had been chosen to take the fall for the crime.
It had to have taken planning, and his mind told him that one of the men who had lost their fortunes in the ill-fated investment was to blame, but which one? There were so many. Some that even Elias had no idea of, he was sure. Men of importance kept such matters close to their chest lest public opinion sullied their reputations, especially if they were men known for their business acumen.
Someone out there knew the truth, but as the weeks lapsed, it was becoming more and more difficult to find out who. Mr. White had resigned from the company shortly after investigations into the matter turned from him. Elias could understand the man’s fears. After all, if his employer had been jailed, there was a chance that the same could befall him. Still, it also caused Elias to question the loyalty of the man.
He could sit no longer.
Elias got to his feet and stalked from his office. “I’m leaving now,” he told Mr. Emerson as he passed his desk on the way out.
“Wait, Lord Chatleton, I haven’t sent the note to Sir Morris,” Mr. Emerson replied urgently.
“I trust you to do it,” Elias replied as he attempted to carry on his way.
“Wait,” Mr. Emerson called after him. He dashed from behind his desk to where Elias stood. “What if the meeting can’t be rescheduled?”
“There will be some other time in the future when Sir Morris is available. Find the date, make the appointment and inform me,” Elias instructed. “As for this moment, I am no longer at work.”
He turned immediately and left the office. It was unfair what he’d done, he knew it, leaving Mr. Emerson to once again undertake the task of making an appointment with Sir Morris, but Elias simply couldn’t meet the man today. His mind wasn’t to matters of work and he would be useless in the meeting if he met under such circumstances.
The street was only moderately busy when he stepped outside. Elias took a deep breath and smiled as he looked up at the clear sky. It was the kind of day that Helena enjoyed, bright and sunny, a day to be out of doors.
He walked to Oxford Street. Usually, he would take a carriage, but his desire to walk was an homage to Helena.
She would look lovely on this street.
Elias smiled at the thought as he tried to imagine her walking beside him. Would she have a parasol? A bonnet? Would she let her hair shine in the light of the sun?
He met several people of his acquaintance along the way, but Elias wasn’t interested in conversation. He kept his greetings brief but cordial.
His eyes searched the window displays as he walked. What would she like for her birthday? A hat? No. A book?
The brooch was gold and shaped in the form of a tree. The moment Elias saw it, he knew that was what he had been looking for. Each branch was studded with gems, like fruit from the boughs. Elias couldn't help but think it perfect for the lady who loved the greenery so much. He had the saleswoman put it in a small pouch for safety. The pouch itself was a gift with its delicate embroidery.
Elias felt more peace than he had in days as he walked from the store with Helena’s gift in his pocket. He patted it gently. He may not be able to give it to her now, but one day soon, he would. He would keep it with him every day until that day arrived.
When Elias next noticed, he was walking into Hyde Park. Trust his feet to take him to the nearest green spot they could find.
He walked the paths between the trees and allowed himself to meander near the ponds. The ducks were enjoying themselves diving beneath the still waters and popping back up. Helena would’ve loved to look at them.
He would bring her there when things were settled. He would take her for a walk beneath the trees, perhaps picnic near the water's edge so she could enjoy the ducks while she ate. Yes, he'd do that when the time was right.
The benches were half occupied with busy Londoners who wished to escape the hustle and bustle for a moment of tranquillity. Elias joined them, finding a spot by himself to sit beneath the shadow of a large tree.
It was the first peace he’d felt all day. When he was young, he never understood Helena’s fondness for being outside when there was so much to do inside. Now a man, he finally comprehended. It was the peace.
He'd been there for several long minutes with nothing and no one but Helena on his mind when the sound of his name drew his attention.
“Hornsby?” he said as his friend’s face came into view.
“I thought I might find you here,” the man replied with a smile as he came to sit beside him.
“What brings you here?”
"Today is the sixteenth, isn't it? I hardly expected to find you in the office, but I did stop there first," he admitted.
Patrick Hornsby, Viscount of Chesney, was a friend of Elias since they were children. He and Elias had attended boarding school together.
“You remembered,” Elias commented.
“After all the times you’ve spoken to me of the lady’s special day how could I forget? You practically beat the date into my head,” Lord Chesney mused. “I half expected to find her with you, but I suppose that may be difficult now.”
“You’ve heard,” Elias stated solemnly.
“Unfortunately, I believe all of London has heard of Helena’s father’s predicament and his relationship with the Repington family,” Lord Chesney replied. “Such salacious news could hardly miss the society pages.”
“I rather wish they had,” Elias answered. “The family has enough to deal with without being made a spectacle of.”
“I agree,” Lord Chesney replied. “However, we are not the editors. We are just the men they choose to write about.”
“Perhaps you should buy the paper in your next series of acquisitions. I heard about the purchase of the shipping company last month,” Elias continued.
"That took some maneuvering, but I was able to finally get Sir Gerald Cornish to sign," Lord Chesney replied.
Elias was proud his friend could get the stodgy knight to let go of his holdings. Everyone knew since he’d been elevated he’d turned into a tight-fisted miser who saw nothing if profit wasn’t involved.
“A triumph, I’d say. The man is the most stubborn individual I’ve ever had the displeasure of being acquainted with.”
“Well said,” Lord Chesney laughed. “Still, he did own the best fleet of shipping vessels this side of London.”
“Why is it that the foulest personalities have some of the greatest possessions?” Elias asked.
“I cannot tell you, but I do like to think I’m not too bad,” Lord Chesney replied. Both men laughed.
“Indeed, Hornsby, you are one of the better personalities who own great property and businesses.”
“I assure you the sentiment is mutual.”
The conversation died slowly, and each man found himself looking out at the trees.
“Is there a chance he didn’t do it?” Lord Chesney asked finally. “Mr. Leeson, I mean. Is his guilt certain?”
"No," Elias shook his head. "It isn't certain, but proving his innocence has been difficult."
“Then you don’t believe it?” Lord Chesney questioned.
“Never. Mr. Leeson isn’t the sort.”
“Then how could this have
happened?” Lord Chesney continued. “Surely he couldn’t have been arrested without proof.”
"There is proof, but I question the authenticity of it. Hornsby, you've known the man almost as long as I. Do you believe he has the heart to steal from his friends? From the company he loved so dearly?"
Lord Chesney paused a moment as he considered the question. “No. Never.”
“You understand the problem. I can’t present my history with the man as evidence when it is my company that has accused him in the first place.”
“Why did you accuse him if you don’t believe it?”
“I didn’t. Father and I were abroad when the news was sent to us of his arrest. It was the accountant who raised the alarm with the police, not us. By the time we knew of it all, it was too late and he was already imprisoned at Newgate.”
“Newgate? How is Helena handling it?”
“I cannot tell you. We haven’t spoken these past weeks. When last we spoke, I knew she was suffering. I can’t imagine it has improved the longer her father remains gone.”
“I imagine society has made it decidedly more difficult for them,” Lord Chesney added.
“No doubt.”
Lord Chesney lay a comforting hand on Elias’s shoulder. “Trust in God. All will be well and the two of you can see yourselves united.”
Elias’s eyes turned to his friend. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
“Anytime, my friend. You and Helena are made for each other. I’ve always known it. That’s why I never entertained affection toward her, I knew one day you’d see her the way your heart already did.”
His back straightened. “What’re you saying?”
Lord Chesney smiled. “Only a man in love leaves his work to sit in a park and consider the woman who isn’t beside him.”
Elias chuckled. “You know me better than I know myself.”
“No, I simply saw what you could not,” Lord Chesney answered. He got to his feet. “I must leave you now. I do hope you’ll let me know when this matter is settled. My assistance is yours should you have need of it”
"Thank you, Hornsby. I'd appreciate that."
“What are friends for?” Lord Chesney answered as he tipped his hat and turned on his heel. Elias watched him go as a smile spread across his face.
How long had he been blind to his own heart that Lord Chesney could see into it and he could not?
Chapter 19
Helena arrived at Dunlily Estate. It was the seat of her aunt’s husband, Sir Arthur Eggerton. It was considerably smaller than Balwell, but grand in its own right. The house sat upon a hill in a quiet corner of Shropshire, the perfect place to escape from London.
The invitation had arrived some weeks ago, but Helena was reluctant to accept it. The tumult at home made her feel like a deserter for even thinking of leaving her mother and sister to deal with it all alone, but they had insisted. One of them needed to find gainful employment, and the best candidate was her.
“I’m so glad you came,” her aunt, Lady Eggerton, said with a smile as she embraced her. Her aunt was her mother’s older sister by a few years. They were not quite as close as they had been as children, as the years forced their separation. It had been some time since Helena had last seen her.
"I was glad for the invitation, Aunt," Helena replied as she followed the woman into the parlor.
“I am so happy your mother could spare you. I know how difficult things must be for you there, but do not fear, it shall improve soon enough,” her aunt assured. She took a seat and offered Helena the one beside her.
“I must confess I was hesitant to leave Father, but it was his urging that made the final decision for me.”
“How is he?” her aunt asked as she placed gentle hands on top of hers.
“He bears well enough under the strain, though we worry for his health in that place,” Helena explained.
Her aunt sighed. “Such a horrible state of affairs, to be accused when one is innocent, as I am sure he is. It must be so dreadful for him, for you all.”
“Society has not been kind about it, but we do our best to keep our heads up and get through each day.”
“As you should. Society knows nothing but the ugly. That’s why, when I married my husband, I was eager to leave London behind. Shropshire is much better, and the society less occupied with idle gossip,” her aunt answered.
Helena hoped she was right.
"Now, as you know, Arabella's wedding is a few weeks hence. I am expecting a good portion of the best of Shropshire society to be there, which is why I've brought you. Certainly, someone of my acquaintances could find a place for you in a reputable house."
A small nod was Helena’s reply. Becoming a governess was not what she wanted, but it was all that was open to her. They needed an income, and this was the only way available to her. She was well-educated and had a pleasant disposition, all said so. Helping a child learn was the best she could do to help her family.
The decision on her path of work had been approved when Helena had last visited her father. He was loathed for her to find work in anything that would demean her character or the family’s name. Anything greater was quite out of her reach. A governess was what it had to be.
Her sister and mother approved of the decision. Beatrice wasn’t suited for the position, and someone needed to remain with their mother. Their final approval was the end of it. The choice was made, and Helena had set off soon after.
“When will Beatrice be joining you?” her aunt asked as she poured a cup of the tea which had been set out for them.
“In a week or two. Mother wanted her to stay a while longer,” Helena answered. “She will only be here for the wedding. Mother cannot her spare her for too long.”
Beatrice had proven herself since their father’s imprisonment. Suddenly the woman she’d always been was allowed to shine forth, and Helena was glad for it. It allowed her to step back and consider where and when to step forward. Finding herself thrust into responsibility had begun to weigh on her.
The door of the parlor opened and in walked her cousin, Arabella, followed by her sister, Agatha.
"There she is," Arabella said cheerfully as she hurried across the room. Helena was hardly on her feet before her cousin had her wrapped in her embrace.
“Arabella,” Helena laughed. “Congratulations.”
“I’m so glad you're here,” she replied. Arabella turned to her sister who remained across the room. “Look, Agatha, Helena is here.”
Arabella was twenty-two and Agatha eighteen. The younger looked at Helena but remained still. “Hello,” she replied unflinchingly.
“Agatha, where are your manners? Come and embrace your cousin,” Helena’s aunt chided from where she sat. “Forgive my daughter, Helena. Sometimes I think she was born under a bridge.”
“I’m certain that is not the case,” Helena answered with a smile as she turned to her aunt. However, when her face turned to her cousin, the smile faded. It seemed not all were happy with her presence.
Agatha seemed annoyed by her mother’s request but, nonetheless, complied, as was her duty. She wrapped her arms so gently around Helena that she would hardly have believed she’d been touched at all.
“I’m glad to see you,” Helena said. “It’s been many years. When I last visited, you were about eight.”
“Nine,” Agatha corrected as she stepped back and found a seat for herself. She poured herself a cup of tea. “If it weren’t for this unfortunate affair, we might never have seen each other again.”
Arabella sighed deeply. She took Helena’s hand and moved her to a seat where they could be close. “I have been so eager to see you since Mother informed me that you would be coming for the wedding.”
“I’m sorry I didn't get to write sooner to congratulate you,” Helena apologized.
“Nonsense,” Arabella protested. “With all you’ve been going through? It is nothing, I assure you. You must tell me everything. How are Uncle and Aunt? Beatrice?�
�
“They are all well,” Helena repeated the answers she’d given her aunt minutes before.
“You have nothing to concern yourself with,” Arabella assured. “You are amongst family and you are most welcomed.”
Her cousin’s words touched her heart deeply, even if she knew they weren’t shared by all.
They enjoyed the rest of their tea while her aunt and Arabella discussed the wedding and who of the invited party might be best to find a place for Helena. Agatha interacted when the discussion was on the nuptials, but instantly removed herself from the topic of Helena’s finding a place as a governess.
