The Forgotten Family (27 page)

‘So you did.’ Ellie sat down again. ‘But I thought you might be making it all up. You do let your imagination run wild at times.’

Philip looked offended. ‘I don’t tell lies, Ellie!’

She reached out to give him another hug, which he dodged expertly. ‘I know you don’t, but so much has been going on lately it was pushed out of my mind.’

‘Our family is growing, Eleanor,’ her father said gently.

After Nanny was tucked up in bed and Henry and Philip had left, Ellie approached her father. He had said that he would not discuss Harry again, but she just had to try one more time. Clasping her hands tightly together, she said, ‘Father, may I ask if there has been any news at all about Harry?’

‘None, Eleanor. I would have told you if there had been.’

Emboldened by his reply, she continued. ‘I know you withdrew the newspaper advertisement after my thoughtless visit to Whitechapel, but would you reconsider trying again?’ She watched him hopefully, her eyes pleading.

His gaze softened as he studied her troubled face. ‘I let the piece run for the allotted time, my dear, but it was to no avail. There isn’t a sign of Harry.’

‘Oh, thank you, Father. That was more than I deserved,’ she said with gratitude. ‘Could we try again, please?’

‘There’s no point.’ Albert reached out and took hold of her hands, uncurling the tight fists. ‘Everything possible has been done. You must accept that he cannot be found.’

‘But how can someone just disappear and never be seen again?’

‘It happens many times, Eleanor.’

She nodded, eyes downcast so he couldn’t see her pain. Only when she had her emotions in control did she look up again. ‘You’re right, of course, and we have much to be happy about tonight.’

‘A great deal.’ Albert stood up. ‘Now we must get some rest.’

They walked up the stairs together. Ellie knew her father was right and she should forget about Harry. But it was hard. His laughing face was fixed firmly in her mind and would not go away.

The next morning Albert caught an early train to London. He was being pressed to return to politics but he knew he wouldn’t be able to give the attention and dedication the job demanded at the moment. It would need his full commitment and that was something he couldn’t do at this time. His first appointment was lunch with Joshua and two of his parliamentary colleagues. They had been waiting for his answer quite long enough. Today he would refuse their request. It was a dilemma, and he had been beset with indecision, but yesterday’s encounter with Tommy had shaken him into making up his mind. There was no way he was going to spend long periods away from home. If anything happened to Eleanor he would never forgive himself. And with the estate expanding he could not afford to spend too much time in London. He’d always thought he
would return to politics, but his life had changed so much over the last year.
He
had changed as well. He had different priorities now – and one of those was Augusta. He shook his head in disbelief, not being able to believe he could feel like this about someone again.

Gazing out of the train window he was oblivious to the passing scenery. Last night he had talked this over with Nanny, who had told him straight what she thought. She had stopped short of calling him a fool, but she’d made it clear that it was time he thought about what he wanted out of life. Eleanor was no longer a child; she was a grown-up and quite capable of looking after herself. That was true, of course, but until he saw her settled, he would not be able to slacken the reins. Even then it would not be easy. And how was she going to find a suitable husband? She had refused to have a season, and had no desire to attend balls or social gatherings where young men would be in abundance. They kept teasing her about marrying Philip, but anyone with eyes could see that it would never work. He drew in a deep silent breath, his brow furrowed. It would take a special kind of man; one who loved her and her other family, for he was certain that the Bonners would always be a part of her life now. And rightly so, but no matter how much Eleanor wished it were different, there would always be a class divide between them.

A vision of Eleanor’s pleading eyes filled his mind when she had asked if they could continue to look for Harry. Finding this brother meant so much to her, but he’d had to be firm. It was only hurting her by keeping the hope alive. He was convinced now that Harry Bonner must have died
years ago – unknown and unnamed – or some trace of him would have been found.

Albert arrived in London with a sense of surprise. He had hardly noticed the journey. He hailed a cab, and after directing the driver to Joshua’s residence, he sat back and began to plan his day. This afternoon he would call on Augusta and see if he could persuade her and James to join them for the Christmas holiday. He had a desire to have the house full this festive season.

By two-thirty, Albert was being shown into Augusta’s drawing room by the butler.

‘Albert, what a lovely surprise.’ Augusta greeted him with real pleasure. ‘I was not aware you were in London.’

‘I had some business to attend to. I hope you don’t mind me calling uninvited?’

‘You’re always welcome. Please do sit down.’ Augusta rang the bell. ‘I’ll order refreshments.’

‘Thank you.’ Albert studied the room. It was as he remembered; tastefully furnished, uncluttered and restful. He appreciated the quiet atmosphere after the heated discussions at Joshua’s. He was relieved now that he had decided against returning to politics. The more his former colleagues urged him to change his mind, the more he’d resisted. He must be getting old, he thought wryly. There was a time when he had relished the cut and thrust of the political scene.

Albert took the cup of tea being offered, and brought his thoughts back to the present. ‘Is James not at home?’

Before Augusta could answer, the door opened and
James came in, hand outstretched. ‘Mr Warrender, it’s good to see you.’

‘And you, James.’ Albert shook his hand. ‘I’ve called to invite you and your mother to spend Christmas with us. That’s if you haven’t already made arrangements?’

James glanced hopefully at his mother. ‘Nothing we can’t change. Is that not so, Mother?’

‘We have no firm plans, and would be delighted to come,’ Augusta agreed without hesitation.

‘Splendid. Eleanor will be pleased. But I must warn you that she will probably enlist your help with decorating the house.’

‘That will be a pleasure.’ Augusta’s face showed that she was telling the truth.

‘Is Eleanor well?’ James asked.

Albert’s frown appeared. ‘She is now, thank the Lord.’

‘What do you mean?’ James leant forward. ‘Has she been unwell?’

‘No, her health is robust as always, but we had a nasty situation yesterday.’ Albert put down his cup and began to tell them about Tommy.

By the time he had finished, James was on his feet, very agitated. ‘Who is with her now? She shouldn’t be alone after that fright.’

Albert was surprised by the degree of concern James was showing. ‘She’s spending the day with Ted. She is quite safe, James. Tommy is back in gaol where he belongs.’

James didn’t appear to be convinced. ‘May I have your permission to visit her today, sir?’

‘I’m sure she would be delighted to see you. Why don’t
you both come back with me and stay for a few days?’

‘I’m afraid I cannot, Albert, but James hasn’t any pressing commitments. I can make his apologies to the Hammonds this evening.’

‘Thank you, Mother.’ James stood up. ‘I would like to go at once, Mr Warrender, if you don’t mind? There’s a train in half an hour, and I can catch that if I hurry.’

Albert nodded. ‘Stay for a few days if you wish, and tell Eleanor I’ll be back for dinner.’

After giving his mother a quick kiss on the cheek and a slight bow to Albert, James practically ran out of the room.

Albert stared at the closed door with a puzzled expression on his face.

‘He is fond of her,’ Augusta said gently.

‘Really. I was unsure. Do you know his true feelings for my daughter?’

‘No, and he doesn’t either. James is confused, Albert. He’s never met anyone like Eleanor and, I suspect, he thinks she needs protecting – not only from herself, but also from the other family she is gathering around her.’

Albert’s tone was sharper than he intended when he spoke. ‘The Bonners are decent people, Augusta. Except for Tommy.’

‘I trust your judgement, but James is uneasy about this, even though I have had Maggie as my personal maid for the past few years.’

‘I don’t see that it is any of his business – unless his intentions towards my daughter are of a permanent nature.’

‘I doubt that very much,’ Augusta assured him. ‘He has his life planned, and James will not easily be swayed from
his course, even though Eleanor has planted seeds of doubt in his mind.’

Albert couldn’t help feeling relieved by Augusta’s words. Even if James did decide he wanted Eleanor as his wife, it was most unlikely she would accept him. As far as he had seen, his daughter did not take James seriously. He relaxed, turning the conversation to another matter. ‘I expect you will be sorry to lose Maggie in the spring?’

‘Indeed I shall, but it was bound to happen one day. Stanley Rogers has visited Maggie here several times, and he seems a fine young man.’

They spent the next hour discussing the upcoming weddings.

The light was fading when Ellie returned to the house. She had spent the day with Ted, and Dorothy had joined them when she’d had an hour off from her work. It had given Ellie a chance to see them together, and it had been obvious that Dorothy and Ted adored each other. She was thrilled that her brother was building a new life for himself.

Before leaving this morning she had nipped up to the schoolroom to congratulate Mr Rogers and let him know how happy she was about his proposed marriage to Maggie.

She was about to go upstairs to her room when she heard laughter coming from Nanny’s rooms. Tipping her head to one side she listened to the deep masculine voice. It was familiar so she headed for the door. After tapping, she opened it and looked in. ‘James, I thought that was you. What a lovely surprise. When did you arrive?’

He stood up. ‘I’ve only been here about an hour. Your
father has given me permission to stay for a couple of days.’

‘Is your mother with you?’

‘No, but we will be coming to stay over the Christmas holiday.’

Ellie smiled brightly. ‘This day is full of good news. Have you told James about Ted and Maggie, Nanny?’

‘I have.’ Nanny patted the seat beside her. ‘Sit for a while. There’s fresh tea in the pot. I want to hear about your day.’

After pouring tea for them all, Ellie sat down. ‘Dorothy’s parents are making the arrangements for the wedding. I would have liked it to be from here, but Ted said it was up to Dorothy and her family.’

‘Dorothy is their daughter so it’s their duty, Eleanor,’ Nanny pointed out gently.

Ellie sighed, not being able to push away the disappointment. ‘I know it is, but we could have had such a lovely reception in the ballroom. When I suggested it Ted said that it wouldn’t be right. Dorothy is a servant and he an employee of my father’s.’

‘And he is quite right.’ James was watching Ellie intently. ‘It would be most inappropriate.’

‘Ted’s my brother, James, and I don’t want us to be divided by class.’

‘I’m sure you don’t, but that is how it is. You have been brought up a Warrender, and I suspect that you find it easy to bridge the social divide, but they can’t. They know their place.’ As soon as the words were out of his mouth, James knew he had said the wrong thing.

Ellie glared at James and snorted. ‘Their place?’

He hastened to try and put his mistake right. ‘I know you don’t like it, but there will always be a class barrier between you. Ted and the others love you as their little sister, but they will always be conscious of the difference between you. Ted will never be able to forget that you are his boss’s daughter and might one day be his employer.’

‘Oh, James, do you have to be so sensible?’ Ellie scowled.

He lifted his hands in apology. ‘That’s how I am. I can’t change that, any more than you can change your upbringing.’

Nanny nodded in agreement. ‘What James says is true. Dorothy’s family would be uncomfortable if you interfered in their daughter’s wedding. Their world is very different from yours, and they will have their own ways.’

‘You are right as always, Nanny.’ Ellie pulled a face. ‘I keep forgetting.’

Nanny patted her hand. ‘You will be able to attend the wedding, and perhaps Maggie will need your help.’

That thought cheered Ellie enormously, but she would heed their words of caution and wait for Maggie to approach her. Her sister would have ideas of her own so she would try not to interfere, though it would be hard. Now she had found these siblings, all she wanted for them was to be happy.

‘Your father told us what happened yesterday,’ James said. ‘I came straight away to see how you are.’

Ellie looked at him in surprise. ‘That’s very kind of you, James. But as you can see, I am all right.’

‘This time, but it could have been very different.’ James pursed his lips in disapproval. ‘Setting out to find the
Bonners was not a wise thing to do, Eleanor. And gathering them around you is even more dangerous.’

Leaping to her feet, Ellie bristled with anger. ‘They are good people. How dare you judge them all by one who has gone bad.’ James stood up, but Ellie pushed him down again. ‘You have met Ted, Pearl and Jack, and Maggie has been in your household for years.’ She glowered at him. ‘Are they dangerous?’

‘Of course not! I didn’t mean it like that. I was only pointing out—’

‘Keep your opinions to yourself. And stop calling me Eleanor. Only my father and Nanny do that.’ Ellie laid a hand on Nanny’s shoulder. ‘I apologise for this scene, Nanny, but I will not have unkind things said about any of them.’ With a fulminating glance at James, Ellie stormed out of the room.

‘You’re lucky you didn’t get a black eye.’ Nanny was trying hard to keep a straight face. ‘If you value your life don’t ever criticise anyone Eleanor loves. She will defend them fiercely.’

James was speechless. He’d known Eleanor was unpredictable, but he had never guessed she could be so volatile. But the thing that had robbed him of all his strength was a realisation that had hit him with crippling force. He was in love with Eleanor Warrender … and there wasn’t a damned thing he could do to change that.

‘Oh, dear God, what have I done?’ he murmured.

James returned home by lunchtime the next day, much to his mother’s surprise. Ellie had quickly recovered, and her
usual good humour had been in evidence during dinner that evening. But James had been so shaken by his feelings for her that he’d wanted to get away in order to decide what to do. By the time he walked into their drawing room to greet his mother, he had come to a decision.

‘James, I didn’t expect you back so soon. Is Eleanor all right?’

He sat opposite his mother and stretched out his legs, giving a deep sigh. ‘I’ve upset her.’

A look of patient resignation crossed Augusta’s face. ‘And how did you manage that?’

‘I was simply pointing out what a dangerous thing she’d done in tracing the Bonners. She erupted like a she-cat defending her young and told me to mind my own business.’

‘And quite right too. It isn’t any of your business, James.’

‘Oh, but it is.’ The expression on his face was one of determination. ‘It’s very much my business because I’m going to marry her.’

There was complete silence while Augusta digested this news. Then she said, ‘This is very sudden. Have you spoken to Eleanor or her father?’

James shook his head. ‘I only came to that decision on the train. I’ll seek Mr Warrender’s permission while we’re there over Christmas. Then I’ll propose to Ellie.’ His smile was amused. ‘I’m not allowed to call her Eleanor any more.’

‘I have my doubts she will accept you.’