The Winds Of Fortune Episode 18
Theodore sat at the bar of the Black Swan, nursing a pint.
It was a tawdry establishment, dirty and run down, but he couldn’t afford to be fussy; he needed to save every penny.
He had arrived in England two weeks ago and slowly made his way to Bothwell hitching lifts or, failing that, on foot.
He was exhausted and frustrated, but at least he was much closer to Minnie, and that gave him hope.
He took a sip of his drink and wrinkled his nose in disgust, but there was no point complaining.
He would have to eke out his meagre savings until he could find work.
So far he’d had no luck whatsoever. His expensive clothes made people suspicious of him.
His lack of experience and deficit of practical skills made it almost impossible to take on a trade, yet who would want to employ him in a less menial role?
Only two days ago he’d gone to a bank, hoping to get some sort of position there.
“Theodore Cranby, is it?”
The manager, a rotund man with round wire glasses, had looked him up and down as he entered the room.
“That’s right, sir. I’m looking for work. I’m well-educated and have experience as a clerk.”
Theo handed over the Johnson’s reference.
“I’ve never heard of Mr Walter Johnson or his son, Charles. For all I know you’ve written this yourself.” The manager stared at Theo’s shabby suit with distaste.
“I worked for them in America. They run a very large business and –”
“I’m sorry, but we don’t have any vacant positions at the present time,” the manager interrupted.
He rose from his seat and held out his hand.
Clearly there were better people to employ than a young American down on his luck.
Now, Theo glanced around the public house.
It was old-fashioned and not as clean as it should be, but England seemed to be littered with these buildings.
They were often pretty enough on the outside, facing village greens, their painted signs swinging in the breeze, but inside was a different matter.
This one was poorly lit and smoke flowed into the room from the badly ventilated fireplace.
The dark Victorian drapes were torn, and it smelled.
He rubbed his face and began to eat the basic meal that he’d purchased.
He’d hoped to see Minnie straight away, but he also wanted to have work before he did so – some good news to impart to her.
Still, Christmas was fast approaching and he must call on her before then.
He couldn’t afford a gift, but he hoped she still cared for him and that his presence in England would bring her joy.
He certainly still cared for her.
He took from his pocket a list of local businesses that he’d made, wondering if any would have some role he could fill, when he was approached by a stranger.
“All right, guv’nor. Can I get you a drink?”
Theodore shook his head.
“I’ve still got most of my pint, thank you.”
The man nodded. He had been watching Theo for some time and Theo didn’t much like the look of him.
His clothes seemed new but cheap, he had a flat cap jammed on his head and a cigarette hanging from his mouth.
“You’re an American, ain’t you?”
“That’s right.” Theodore eyed him warily.
“Met one or two of your kind lately. Heard things ain’t so good over there right now.”
“Indeed.” Theo wondered where this was leading.
The man coughed and rubbed his nose, his narrow eyes darting about the room.
“I might be able to help you. If you’ve fallen on ’ard times. Got a job you might be interested in.”
Theodore raised an eyebrow.
“It ain’t much, but it pays well. Just need someone to run a few errands for me – to the pawnshop and the like. Nothin’ tricky. What do you say?”
Theo stared at him. An easy, well-paid job was just what he needed.
Although he might be fairly desperate, he wasn’t stupid.
He knew there must be a catch, and he didn’t trust this fellow one bit.
“That’s mighty kind, but I don’t think I’m the man you’re looking for.”
The fellow looked disappointed.
“You sure about that, guv?”
Theodore nodded.
“Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me. Enoch’s the name.”
With that, he slid off the stool and slunk back to the corner of the room.
Theo shook his head.
Had he done the right thing? He was pretty sure he had.
There was something about that fellow that he didn’t like at all.
Still, he supposed he could always come back if he changed his mind.
He looked down at his suit. The quality fabric was showing signs of wear and tear from his travels.
He ran a hand through his hair – it definitely needed a cut and he must get his shoes polished.
He sighed. How he hoped he didn’t look dishevelled – it wouldn’t help him in finding work, and what about Minnie?
Theo wondered how she was. He hoped she was happy in England and being well-looked after.
At least, in staying with her cousins, she would be back to her accustomed lifestyle.
Was she missing him? He missed her so much it hurt.
He got up from his seat. He would get a hair cut and a shoe polish and redouble his efforts to find work.
He would make his way to Bosworth Hall as soon as possible.
As he left the Black Swan, a pair of eyes followed him, and he was glad to find himself outside in the fresh air once more.
To be continued…