The Winds Of Fortune Episode 13
Norah was dusting books in the library at Bosworth House and polishing candlesticks and ornaments with vigour, trying to stop her worries from overwhelming her.
Outside, through the French windows, there was a hard frost that glimmered under a pale sun.
The lawn stretched down to a half-frozen pond, and the bare trees in the copse etched patterns across the pallid sky.
Norah hardly noticed the beautiful morning; she could think about nothing but Joe.
Her poor brother was languishing in a freezing police cell and awaiting trial for theft.
He was such an honest lad – how could this have happened to him? How would he be coping?
She could imagine his bewilderment and despair.
He’d only just recovered from a severe cough, too. What if his health couldn’t withstand this trial?
For a moment, images of her brother flashed through her mind, and she sank down on a chair and wept.
If only she could go to him.
She was desperate to find out more about what had happened, to take Joe food and medicine and to discover where that money had come from.
For a while she was lost in her grief, but then she heard the door opening and light footsteps on the parquet floor.
She leapt to her feet, hastily wiping her face with her apron, and turned to dust a bust of Caesar that stood in a niche behind her.
With her back firmly towards the newcomer, she pretended to be busy.
She could hear someone walking up and down the shelves, looking for something.
“Excuse me. It’s Norah, isn’t it? Can you tell me if there are any novels in this library?”
Norah turned to find Minnie Vandunlan standing in front of her, a gentle smile on her face.
Norah liked their new guests. They seemed polite and kind, with a dignity about them, despite their misfortunes.
Minnie was a pretty lady, probably about twenty-four, Norah guessed, around Master Harry’s age.
Norah tried to collect her thoughts.
“I don’t think so, miss. Ain’t nothing but serious books here. I think there are others in the blue parlour.”
“Thank you.”
Norah waited for her to leave, but Minnie stayed put, a concerned look on her face as she scanned the maid’s features.
“Are you all right, Norah? You seem upset.”
Norah’s hand flew to her blotchy face and swollen eyes.
“Yes, miss. I’m fine. Thank you, miss.” She swallowed, and to her horror the tears began to fall again.
“Gracious, there’s clearly something wrong. Sit down a moment.”
Minnie guided Norah into a chair and handed her a handkerchief.
For a while, she struggled to get her breath, and she felt a glass being pressed into her hand.
Norah glanced down.
“No, miss. I can’t. I ain’t allowed.”
Minnie insisted.
“I can keep a secret, and it will do you good.”
Norah’s eyes widened, but she took a sip.
She’d never tasted brandy, and she wasn’t sure that she liked it, but she felt a bit calmer.
“Now, why don’t you tell me what’s troubling you? Perhaps I can help.”
“I don’t want to trouble you, miss. I’ll be fine.”
Minnie put a hand on her arm and soon Norah found herself pouring out the whole dreadful tale.
“I’m very sorry to hear all this, Norah. No wonder you’re upset.”
Minnie’s concern seemed genuine and Norah was grateful to her.
She already felt better for having shared her troubles.
“Forgive me for asking, but you’re certain of his innocence?” Minnie said.
“Yes, miss.” Norah was adamant.
“Joe’s a good lad, and honest through and through, but he is a trusting boy – too trusting.
“I don’t know what he might have got himself into,” she added.
“I see. And this money was payment for a job he undertook?”
“That’s right, miss.”
Minnie looked thoughtful.
“Whoever employed him has paid him with stolen money, but who was it?” she mused.
“I dunno, miss. I don’t know who employed him or what job he done exactly.”
“I see.” Minnie nodded.
“We will have to see what we can do. If your brother is innocent, there must be a way to help him.”
Norah nodded. She was more grateful for the young lady’s kindness than she could say, but she wasn’t hopeful.
Someone of Minnie’s standing had no idea what it was like for the likes of them. The odds were stacked against Joe.
What sort of defence could he give, and who would listen if he had one?
“Is there nothing more you can tell me?” Minnie continued. “Anything about this job that he took on?”
Norah thought hard.
“He met the man in the Black Swan, a public house near the station.
“He took some things to the pawn shop and did a few other jobs. He didn’t say no more.”
“Well, the Black Swan would be a good starting place,” Minnie reasoned. “We could make enquiries there.”
“Oh, no, miss!” Norah was horrified. “Women don’t go in pubs, and it ain’t a place for gentlefolk like yourself.”
Minnie nodded.
“I’m sure you are right, but it seems to me the place to begin. There must be a way.
“I promise I will consider the matter further.” Minnie rose to her feet.
“For now, you had better blow your nose, wash your face and return to your duties.”
“Yes, miss. Thank you.” Norah jumped to her feet.
She had been away from her work too long.
Minnie was very kind and Norah was grateful, but there was nothing to be done, and she had best keep herself occupied.
If she got into trouble, too, it would help no-one.
To be continued…