A Poor Girl's Peril (#4, the Winds of Misery Victorian Romance) (A Family Saga Novel)

by Dorothy Green

  “By the time I am six and ten I will be able to read just as well as you Adeline,” Hilda said.

  “Yes you will.”

  Adeline suddenly realized that she herself could not remember her own age, among so many other details of her life.

  “Should we try writing letters now?” Hilda asked.

  “Yes indeed, I think that would be a great idea and then when we are done a bit of dance lesson,” Adeline handed her a piece of parchment.

  “I would love that. Thank you for the gracious offer,” Hilda said with perfect annunciation. Adeline lifted her brows at her.

  “Very good indeed, Miss Carson.”

  “Thank you Miss Blakefield, you are too kind,” Hilda laughed and started to write.

  * * *

  “Tell me of London,” Hilda asked. The two of them sat outside at the table, looking across the field.

  “That is easy. London is quite dirty, the air is black with smoke, and it is filled with people that you cannot trust. People that want to take things from you.”

  “It cannot be all that bad can it? I have heard many good things of London. There are parties to be had parties in the parks and whatnot.” Hilda said in astonishment.

  Adeline looked up her, her brow rose in suspicion. “Please tell me you do not have aspirations to go live in London young lady. That is not a place for you, it is not a place for anyone except the very rich. You must trust me on this. I have had the experience.”

  “I would like to visit London, see it. But that is not where my aspirations lie. I have my eyes on other things that I wish to see, and want to experience.”

  “And what might that be?” Adeline said realizing that she did not know Hilda's deepest desires as a young girl. Everyone wanted to go to London if they were from the small countryside villages. It seemed to be everyone's goal, and hearing that it was not the goal of this young lady was quite intriguing indeed.

  “I wish to see the sea,” Hilda said.

  “You do? Whatever for?”

  “I long for the ocean. I want to see the colour of the water. I want to see the tall high cliffs that loom over it. I want to sit there and watch the ships go back and forth. Such a peaceful way to be. I think I could be quite happy if I had that to look out on everyday of my life. That is what I want to see and I mean to do it. I am very determined, Adeline.” Hilda said with her jaw and a hard line.

  Adeline had never seen her friend so serious before. The young woman was always bouncing with spirit, quite happy. One could even say she was jolly. Her red hair and green eyes always made her appear like a firecracker, ready to burst at the seams with energy. But at this moment, she saw something more in the young lady. There was determination in those eyes, and a serious nature that Adeline knew should be taken quite seriously indeed.

  “So you want to return to your homeland of Scotland, be on the shores and look out to the ocean?” Adeline asked.

  “No. Indeed I would like to see the homeland, I have never been to Scotland like my brother has, or my father. I would like to see Cornwall, for I heard many stories of its beauty, that is what I think of when I think of the ocean. Looking off to the west, that ocean there is nothing for thousands and thousands of miles until you reach America. What a vast void of water, I find it all fascinating indeed. That is what I want to see.” Hilda said.

  “Then I feel very sorry for your father, as he will miss you when you set upon accomplishing this goal, and I have no doubt that you would accomplish it, dear Hilda. For you have a determination and strength that is not often seen in a small village, amongst the country girls. I quite believe that you will see the ocean of Cornwall. I wish you the best of luck.”

  “Thank you Adeline, and I also thank you for your education for I feel that it may play some part in my future. Indeed I know it will, knowing to read and write will be good for me. Wherever it may take me, and wherever I decide to go.” Hilda sat up proudly.

  “You are most welcome.” Adeline smiled for she knew that she could not have bestowed the education on a much more gracious recipient.

  Adeline knew that Hilda would have a very good future ahead of her, not because the education, but because Hilda was determined. She was a very strong young woman, and her inner joy would take her quite far through the hardships that life would be still upon her, and there would be some. Especially if she decided to leave the safety of her home and family and journey to the west as she wanted, for the road was no place for a woman, and it would prey upon her.

  “What do you say we go to the Green Tavern? I would much enjoy the very long walk. Then I could beg my uncle to give us tea and biscuits. Then we can walk back and be home before dinner.” Hilda said to Adeline.

  “I think I would like that very much. I would enjoy being at the tavern when I am not the one waiting on tables. Come let us get our cloaks and tell your father.” Adeline said jumping up from the table.

  Hilda jumped up bouncing like a rabbit, filled with excitement for something to do. It made Adeline. Together they went inside and fussed over tying on their cloaks and boots, and pinning their hair back underneath their bonnets. Then they went to the blacksmith shed and ask her father for permission.

  “It is a wonder you ask my permission after you are already dressed,” He said with a smile teasing them.

  “Papa!” Hilda said.

  “Be back before nightfall,” He said. Then he gave his daughter a quick wink and then the girls were off together.

  There were short moments where Hilda would take off in a full sprint across the field and then stopped. Adeline admired her energy, knowing that she was very young and had no place to put that energy. It made Adeline feel somewhat sad that her energy of her youth had been put to use at the factory, and not frolicking in the countryside the way Hilda was able to. She envied the ease and happiness of her life.

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  * * *

  Hilda was correct about her uncle. Angus gladly served them tea and biscuits, while the two girls sat at a table and relaxed, talking about the many travellers that came through. Hilda took it upon herself to ask if anyone was from Cornwall, for she came we had an interest in that place. It was the first that Adeline had heard of someone taking an interest in the west, but then again she did not have her full memory. If she was acquainted with such a person early on in her life, she had no recollection of it whatsoever.

  When it was time for them to depart home as the sun was going to set within the hour, Laura sent a bounty with them of three meat pies, since she knew the girls were not at home in order to cook dinner for Benson. This way they could eat when they returned, and have the rest of the night for leisure.

  Benson was more than happy to accept the food from his brother in law. The girls also had sliced bread and sliced cheese to accompany the meat pie dinner. Afterwards they did their usual routine; Hilda read aloud while Adeline and Benson enjoyed a nip of scotch. All together it was a perfect countryside day and evening, one that Adeline had longed for when she had left London. These were the lazy country days that she hoped would happen for her. For even the hard day's work in the countryside was absolutely nothing compared to the grueling work in a factory and lack of fresh air in the city. She would never go back to that work ever again, she promised herself.

  But as Hilda read from the books, she saw the young girl in a new light. The way she was excited reading from the book about far off Adventures, made Adeline realize that she had instilled the urge and desire for travells, because she had taught Hilda to read. Hilda had been reading books constantly, as many as she could get her hands on. She had no doubt in her mind that she had bread one that took place in Cornwall, and had fell in love with it through reading. That both excited her, but also made her anxious for the young girl. She would not want to be responsible for having had a part in making her want to leave the comfort of home. For in truth Hilda could not possibly know how comfortable she had it. It was possi
ble she would learn it eventually, the hard way. Adeline did not like that thought whatsoever.

  * * *

  “Mrs Wilcox, what do you mean you turned her out?” William Dawson's voice raised as he stood in front of Mrs Wilcox desk in her home.

  “I did what I needed to do sir. The woman was accused of stealing, by her own roommate. We do not tolerate thieves. She had a history of being turned out, she was turned out of a workhouse before she came to us. She had told me that the manager there threw himself upon her, but now I wonder if indeed that was a lie.” Mrs Wilcox said.

  “Look upon this portrait. You said that her name was Adeline blakefield, but did she look like this woman?”

  William pushed a small portrait painting in front of Mrs Wilcox. It had been an advertisement at the Douvaine theater. He had kept it with him all this time.”

  “It is hard to tell. The Adeline that was here had very short hair, and was quite skinnier than this particular woman, perhaps a bit ill looking. The eyes and hair are the same, and the nose. Is this an advertisement for a theater?”

  “Yes. She is a renowned actress, but this was taken sometime before it has been years really. Have you seen her? Is this the Adeline that was staying here?”

  “That is why I thought she looked familiar. The actress from the Douvaine theater, yes I quite remember I used to frequent that establishment myself. But she said that there was no reason that she should be familiar and she called herself Adeline Blakefield. I believe that actresses name was Adeline Proctor? She and her sister were they stage actresses there. It is all coming back to me now. No doubt she lied, a little liar, that comes easy for an actress does it not?”

  William slammed his hand on the top of the desk. “ She is not a liar. You do not know of what you accuse her of. It is under my suspicions that she suffers from amnesia. The theater burned down and I fear that she suffered an injury during that time, though she survived. But when I saw her on the street she did not remember me, nor remember any of her relations, including the sister actress that you speak of. She has lost her memory, don't you see? Therefore she has been living in these conditions, on the streets and without knowing who she really is. I must find her. Now tell me everything you can remember.”

  “I am sorry to hear such a thing Mr Dawson, but as you know I do not consort with my girls. However, her roommate is still under my roof, perhaps you might ask her a few questions.”

  “Bring her to me.”

  William sat down and waited. He was quite heated at how Adeline had been treated by Mrs Wilcox considering that he was the one that funded the very establishment she was staying in. How stupid he was in the moment that he had saw her, it was in the very vicinity of his own factory and brick house, he should have come to Mrs Wilcox then. Now he regretted not doing more in that moment because he thought that she simply did not wish to speak to him, that she hated him.

  “Yes, right away, I will have my made fetch her.” Mrs Wilcox stood up and walked out of her office. William waited, hoping that this roommate who also accused Adeline of stealing would have honest words for him. He must find her. He had been searching London for quite some time, and he had reached out to Katrina and Mason upon their return from Europe. The three of them had been searching for her, in and out of factories, searching theaters, without finding her.

  “She will be on her way shortly. A glass of sherry?” Mrs Wilcox offered.

  “Make mine a double.” Williams said, knowing he needed something strong.

  A few moments later, a jittery Patty stood in front of Mrs Wilcox and Mr Dawson.

  “I want to know all that you can remember about Miss Adeline. Where do you think she may have gone after she left here?” Dawson asked. He knew there would be no reason to accuse the woman of calling Adeline a liar and a thief, for he knew that to get answers out of her that were honest he should not insult her.

  “I do not know sir. I hardly spoke with her from time to time. She be my roommate and that but oh, nothing more.”

  “That is fine. But you must have picked up something. Did she speak of a place? Where she would go if she had left here?”

  “No, she did not say where she was leaving too. But there was something,”

  “What? Tell me.”

  “She kept a letter under her mattress. I do not read sir, I do not know what it said. But one time she said that it was addressed to a Katrina at a place called Brentwood. that is all I know. If she's still not be in London, perhaps she went there.”

  “Brentwood. You are sure of it?”

  “Yes sir. I remember that word very well.”

  “You are dismissed.”

  Patty walked out. Dawson looked at Mrs Wilcox. “And you said that she left without a penny to her name.”

  “We took her wages. She had a small coin bag hidden in her room, coin that we assumed she had stolen from us first.”

  Dawson restrained his anger. He wanted to hurt Mrs Wilcox and he had never hurt or had a thought of hurting a woman in his entire life.

  “Then if she left London she would have left on foot, attempting to get rides where she could. She would be headed to Brentwood, even if she does not remember Katrina or what Brentwood means, it was a clue to her since she had that letter. Perhaps it was a letter from Katrina and she is on a journey to find out who that may be. I am to find her.”

  William grabbed his hat and headed for the door. “If she turns up here you contact me immediately and do not let her leave. Send word to my address in London as an urgent matter and they will find me no matter where I am, whether I am in town or on the estate. Is that understood?”

  “Yes sir, understood.”

  William quickly left and rode his steed back to his Mayfair home. He was in a rush, and wanted to get on the road as quick as possible.

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  “Herald! Ready the carriage for a long journey. I am to leave as soon as it is ready.”

  “Yes sir. Right away”

  Before long, William was in his carriage, after having talked with the driver of what roads to take to Brentwood that one might take on foot. That would be his route. He told the driver and his manservant to be on the lookout for anyone on foot whether it be man woman or child. He would question them all to see if they had come across Adeline. For the first time in a long time he felt some hope that he might yet see Adeline again and right the wrong that he had done to her.

  On the journey, the sun was beginning to set on the horizon. William picked up his cane and pounded the roof of the carriage. The carriage came to a halt.

  “It is getting dark. Let us go to the nearest accommodations. We will see nothing in this night and I do not want to give the night the advantage.”

  “Yes sir.” The carriage jolted forward.

  William was very familiar with the area for it was in the direction of Linwood, in Hampshire County. He had crossed this way many times before, and often stayed at the tavern.

  Many carriages pulled in and out of the white building, the Inn known as the Green Tavern. The carriage pulled up, waiting in line behind two carriages for the servants to attend to the horses. William searched the faces of those gathered. There were many people milling about and because it was Winter they all sought shelter.

  “Right this way sir,” A man servant opened the door. William grabbed his hat and stepped out of the carriage. He looked around while he placed the Hat on his head and as he did so he caught a fleeting image of a woman on Horseback. There was something familiar about her, but she had kicked the horse into a gallop and he was not able to look any longer before she disappeared into the dark. He would not expect that she would be on horseback, so he let the thought go.

  * * *

  Adeline hopped on top of Nelly. “All right old girl, ready to head home?” That word echoed in her mind, home. For she had not felt like she truly had a place in the world for a very long time indeed, and the Carson family
had made her feel quite welcome. Though she knew that the cottage and farm were not a permanent place to be, it was what she was calling home for now and that was quite the change. For even when she was living in the workhouse she knew that it was not entirely a true place to live, always temporary with people coming and going.

  Nelly turned in a circle, gathering a drink of water from the trough as though reading for the trip across the grassy fields to head home. But as the horse drank water, Adeline saw a very familiar sight. It was one that she had seen before, a very rich carriage black and maroon colour stood in line in front of the tavern waiting its turn to be served. Where have I seen that particular carriage before? Is this something from my past that I cannot quite remember? From my memories perhaps.

  She stared at it longer, hoping that it would jot her memory to return to her. But as the door opened, a gentleman stepped out and she had her answer.

  “No, not he,” she whispered under her breath. For the man that stepped out was one none other than the man that had called himself William. The very same man that had stalked her in the street that day as though he knew her, trying to make her go with him. She had been very frightened of him, if not confused. He was the same man that owned partly the factory that she had worked in while living at Brick House. What was his last name? Dawson...

  The man was looking down at the ground fondling his hat and then placed it on top of his head, ready to go inside the tavern. Adeline quickly turned Nelly in a circle to put her back to the gentleman. She did not want him to see her. She kicked Nelly on the side with her heel and Nelly trotted forward. she made the horse trot faster than usual until she felt far enough away from the tavern where she could not hear the voices emanating from there. Did he see me? Would he inquire inside if I worked there? I did not have to return to the tavern for three days, that would be when I had my next shift. Hopefully the gentleman would be gone by then if he was just passing through and needed a night stay to continue on his travells. But if he saw me than he would inquire about me and they would tell him where to find me with the Carson family.