The Winds Of Fortune Episode 07
Theo Cranby sat in the library at his friend Charles’s house.
His face was drawn and his mind reeling.
He and Charles occupied two leather chairs on either side of the fireplace, and he was clutching a tumbler of whisky that his friend had pushed into his hand.
They had withdrawn here for some privacy from the rest of Charles’s family. Theo couldn’t face any socialising today.
“Drink up. I don’t like to see you looking so grey.”
Charles seemed worried, so Theodore took a sip.
He ran a hand through his hair. He couldn’t face going back home at the moment.
Half the furniture had already been sold and the place felt like a mausoleum. The rest of the contents and the house itself would be auctioned on Thursday.
His father would go to live with his brother, but there was only room and money enough for one of them.
Theo had no idea what he was going to do.
“How was it?” Charles asked now. “I guess it was grim.”
Theodore nodded.
“There weren’t many people there, and poor Pearl looked really unwell.”
He had just returned from Grover Vandunlan’s funeral and felt pretty shaken up.
The Cranbys might have lost everything, but at least his father was still alive.
He couldn’t bear to think about Minnie and everything she was going through. It broke his heart.
She’d looked as beautiful as ever at the church, and very calm, but it had been hard to see her pallor and the sorrow in her eyes.
He’d wanted to comfort her, but that was out of the question now. He had nothing to offer her.
He gulped down more whisky and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.
“It’s not surprising.” Charles’s face was suffused with sympathy.
“They’ve gone through more than anyone should have to.”
Theodore merely nodded; he didn’t have the words.
“I think, given time, they’ll be all right.” His friend patted his shoulder.
“They have a decent place to live at least.”
That was true.
The brownstone was tiny compared to Gusher House, but it was in a respectable area and they had been able to retain Miller and one maid.
However, Theo had been horrified when Minnie had told him that, despite this, they would all three have to find jobs.
How he wished he had money so that he could have spared her that.
He shook his head. He could bear anything for himself, but his worries on Minnie’s behalf were crushing him.
He must find work urgently. He would start at the bottom, if he had to, and work his way up.
He was determined to make his way. He would not give Minnie up.
He would make his fortune and give her the life she deserved.
But how?
The economic situation was appalling, and there were few jobs to be had.
He groaned and finished his drink.
Charles shifted in his seat.
“I’ve something I need to talk to you about.” Charles’s face was red and he avoided Theo’s eye. “It’s a bit delicate.
“Father has a job for you, if you’d like it, as a clerk in his offices.
“He knows you’ve had experience with your father’s business. He thinks you’d be a great asset.”
Theo swallowed and fought the urge to cry.
He didn’t know if he was more humiliated or relieved, but he would have to take it. There was no room for pride.
It was as good an opportunity as he could hope for.
“T-thank you,” he stuttered. “I’d be much obliged.”
Charles looked relieved and shook his hand.
“Welcome aboard. It’s not much, but you’ll be able to rent a room and . . .” He tailed off, turning redder than before.
He was right, Theo reflected. It was a start.
Thank goodness Charles’s family had fared better than many.
His father has sold his shares earlier in the year and, although they were going to sell off some parts of their business, they would be all right.
He just hoped that the dramatic change in his own circumstances wouldn’t damage their friendship.
Charles had always been there for him, but they were no longer on an equal footing.
His friend refilled his glass.
“Things will get better,” he told him.
Theo hoped so, but there was a mountain to climb first.
“Will you still see Miss Vandunlan?” Charles asked.
“I don’t know.” Theo shrugged. “I’d like to, but I can’t propose, of course.”
“Perhaps in the future?” Charles stared at his brogues.
“I had to return the ring.”
Charles looked thoughtful.
“Would she wait for you?”
Theo hoped so with all his heart, but he was not going to ask it of her.
Who knew how long it would be, if ever, before he was in a position to propose?
No, he would keep her in his heart and work as hard as he could to improve his lot, but he could not ask her to wait.
To be continued …