The Winds Of Fortune Episode 14
A few days later, Norah was washing dishes in the scullery.
It was a dismal day, dark and overcast. Sleet was falling on the gardens and filling the ponds and lake.
Norah, however, was feeling a little better.
The sharing of her troubles had helped her gain perspective, and she was determined to visit Joe and carry out investigations of her own, as soon as her half day came around.
As she washed the plates, she tried to figure out a plan.
Did she have the courage to enter the Black Swan herself? Maybe she could send one of her brothers in to make enquiries.
She would need to talk to Joe, too, if they would let her see him, and maybe her mother could shed more light on matters.
“Norah.” Betty dashed into the room, her cheeks flushed.
“You’re wanted in the drawing-room at once. Master Harry has asked to speak to you.”
“Master Harry?” Norah dried her hands on her apron, hoping she had done nothing wrong.
She made her way upstairs as quickly as she could.
“You wanted to see me, sir?” She curtseyed and looked around.
Master Harry was in an armchair near the fire. His hair was neat and tidy and his blue eyes were smiling.
Norah felt relief – he didn’t seem angry.
Minnie sat on a chaise longue, looking beautiful in a purple dress with a string of beads around her neck.
“Sit down, Norah.”
She perched on the edge of a chair, her face flushed.
Master Harry sensed her unease.
“You are not in trouble. Quite the reverse.
“Miss Vandunlan and I have asked you up here in the hope of helping you.”
Norah’s eyes widened.
“Miss Vandunlan has taken me into her confidence because she has been concerned about you,” Master Harry explained.
Norah turned to look at Minnie, who smiled, and Norah’s mouth fell open.
“I understand that you have a brother, Joe, and that he is in trouble with the police.”
Norah nodded and hoped she wouldn’t lose her job.
She was sure Minnie meant well, but the Northavens wouldn’t want to employ any criminals or their family members.
“Yes, sir,” she whispered.
“She assures me that he is innocent of wrongdoing, so although I don’t wish to raise false hopes, I want to inform you that we will do what we can to help.”
“T-thank you, sir.” Norah wondered if she was dreaming.
“Miss Vandunlan and I drove to town yesterday to visit the police station.” Master Harry smiled and Norah tried to steady her breathing.
“I don’t want you to get excited. We’ve had little success as yet.
“We spoke to the sergeant,” Master Harry went on. “I have gained permission for you to visit Joe and take him anything he needs.”
Norah thought her heart might explode.
“The only thing he would tell us,” Master Harry continued, “is that the money Joe had was from a robbery that took place in Duke Street.
“Notes, jewellery and other items were stolen from Sir Reggie and Lady Clementine’s house. Two men were seen running from the dairy.
“So far, only the money your brother had has been recovered.”
Norah tried to take all this in.
She was still struggling to process the fact that the gentlefolk had been to the police station on her account, let alone that she had permission to visit Joe.
Now she was grappling with the news that it was Sir Reginald Prater who had been robbed.
The Praters were the most important family in Bosworth.
“Thank you, sir. Have the police been to the Black Swan?” Norah asked. “It was the man there what gave our Joe the job.”
“I expect they have.” Master Harry leaned forward.
“The police won’t tell us about their own enquiries, so I can’t give a definite answer.”
Norah’s face fell.
How she hoped that the police were carrying out a proper investigation, but for all she knew they were just happy to have found a culprit.
Joe was as good a scapegoat as any.
“Try not to worry, Norah.” It was Minnie who spoke.
“This is a difficult situation for you, but it is by no means hopeless.
“Mr Northaven and I hope to have better news for you in the future.”
Norah doubted much could be done, but she was stunned by their kindness.
She didn’t know how to express her gratitude.
To be continued.