The Winds Of Fortune Episode 25
Minnie hovered in the hallway, checked her reflection and paced across the tiled floor.
She kept glancing at the clock, which hung over a marble side table. He would be here any minute.
As soon as she heard footsteps crunching on the gravel, she opened the front door herself.
Theo looked up in surprise and smiled.
He was as handsome as ever, Minnie thought, though thinner and tired.
How she longed to hold him in her arms.
She had been unable to believe it when he’d walked into the drawing-room of Bothwell House.
How incredible that he was in England! She’d been utterly elated. Perhaps he still loved her, after all.
She smiled and ushered Theo inside.
“Come into the blue salon, Theo,” she said.
“The drawing-room is occupied and we’ve had no opportunity to speak properly.”
“If you like.”
He didn’t sound very eager. She swallowed and opened the door.
“Please, do sit down.”
They sat opposite one another.
There was an awkward pause and she wondered where to start.
“We are overjoyed to see you, Theo, and happy that you’re well,” she told him.
“As well as can be expected.”
“How is your father?”
“Much better, thank you.”
She waited, but he said no more. Where was her lively Theo?
“Pearl is making a good recovery,” Minnie went on. “We are so relieved.”
“I’m very glad. I was sorry to hear about the accident.”
Minnie stared at him. Why was he so formal and withdrawn?
“It was pleasant to make the acquaintance of Mr Dodson-Smyth,” Theo continued.
She raised her eyes to his face in amazement.
“He seems a worthy gentleman. Is his estate nearby?” he added.
“Well, yes. Theo, why are we talking of Ivor?”
“Why not? He obviously thinks most highly of you.” Theo was flushed and he averted his gaze.
He was jealous! He did still love her after all!
Minnie felt a rush of relief.
“Oh, Theo, he’s been kind to all of us, and he does rather like me.”
Theo bit his lip.
“I respect him, too,” Minnie went on, “but I was about to tell him, when you walked in, that my feelings are engaged elsewhere.”
Minnie blushed, and it was her turn to look away.
The next moment, Theo was kneeling in front of her on the floor.
“Minnie, do you mean that? I would never get in the way of your happiness, but I need to know.”
Minnie’s face was burning, and she didn’t know which way to look, but she had never felt happier.
“Of course I mean it,” she replied firmly.
Theo’s eyes glowed and he looked more handsome than ever as he sat down beside her.
“I didn’t know if you’d come to live here permanently, so I followed as soon as I could,” he explained.
“I have nothing to give you, but you have my heart and always will.”
Her face was radiant and she blinked back tears.
“I’m looking for work here,” Theo said. “So far I haven’t had –”
“Oh, miss, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know anyone was here.”
Minnie looked up to see Norah enter the room.
“That’s all right, Norah.” She smiled at the girl, who looked anxious and weary.
“Do you have news of your brother?”
“Nothin’ new, miss.”
Minnie nodded, looking at her with compassion.
“I want you to know that Mr Northaven and I have not given up.
“We went to the Black Swan a few days ago, but I’m afraid we have not been successful yet.”
“Master Harry told me.” Norah attempted a smile. “I’m very grateful that you tried.”
“Did you say the Black Swan?” Theo was looking at Minnie incredulously.
“Surely your cousin didn’t let you go in there?”
“No, he didn’t. I can see I shall have to tell you the whole story.”
As she explained the plight of Norah’s brother, Theo listened with increasing interest.
By the time she’d finished, his face was lit with excitement.
“I was in the Black Swan a few days ago. I might be able to help you, Norah.”
“Help me, sir?” Norah’s face lit up.
“Well, help your brother. Could you tell me everything about the man Joe met at the Black Swan and the jobs he did?”
“There ain’t much to tell.” Norah shrugged. “He were approached by a bloke in the pub called Elijah or Enoch.”
“Enoch? Are you sure?” Theo looked even more excited.
“That’s what he told me.”
“Go on.”
“He paid Joe a lot of money for running some errands to the pawnshop and some such.
“Far too much money for what he done, but our Joe’s naive and –”
“But that’s wonderful, Norah!” Theo exclaimed.
“It is?” Norah and Minnie looked at each other.
“I believe I met the very fellow.”
“Surely you don’t know him?” Minnie stared at Theo in amazement.
He shook his head.
“No, but a strange fellow by the name of Enoch offered me a similar job when I was at the Black Swan.”
Norah’s jaw almost hit the floor.
Theo grinned.
“I’m forming a plan. If only those policemen didn’t have all of Joe’s money.”
“But they don’t,” Norah returned.
“Are you sure?”
“Quite sure, for I have some of it myself. Joe gave some to me and to Mother. Far too much, I might add.
“I have some here.” Norah felt inside her pocket and pulled out a couple of notes. “I ain’t spent any – what with it being stolen and all.”
Theo took the notes from her and looked at them with interest.
“Norah, would you mind if I kept these for a while?”
“Not at all, if it’ll help our Joe, sir.”
Theo grinned again.
“Tomorrow I will return to the Black Swan. I have a job offer to accept.”
Minnie watched him with wonderment.
What was Theo up to, and could he really help Norah?
To be continued…