The Winds Of Fortune Episode 29
As little Davie burst through the kitchen door, Norah felt the colour drain from her face, and she sat down suddenly.
What news had he brought this time?
Davie was panting hard and tried to catch his breath.
“I got news, our Norah. Good news about our Joe.”
“Good news?”
“Yeah. He’s back home and Ma’s nursing ’im. There ain’t gonna be no trial.”
“He’s back home? No trial?” Norah couldn’t understand what Davie was telling her.
He laughed and looked up at her.
“They let ’im out!” he cried. “He ain’t in trouble no more.”
For a moment Norah couldn’t move, then she leaped out of her seat, lifted up Davie and swung him round in joy.
“Ah, give over.” Davie giggled. “You’re making me dizzy.”
She chuckled and set him back down on his feet.
“I can’t believe it. It’s too wonderful. Our Joe is free.”
“Yeah. He ain’t well, but Ma says he’ll get better. She got ’im all wrapped up and comfortable.”
Davie’s eyes were as wide as a silver platter.
“That gent Mr Prater sent him medicines, too.”
“Mr Reginald Prater? Sent medicine to our Joe?” Norah asked, confused.
“I ain’t lying, Norah. His servant came on a horse with saddlebags full of stuff.”
“I can’t take this in!” Norah exclaimed. “You better sit down and tell me the whole tale.”
A little while later, Norah wiped Davie’s face, gave him a kiss and sent him on his way.
She scarcely knew what to do with herself but, before she did anything else, she must thank Miss Minnie for all her help.
If she hadn’t taken such an interest and relayed Norah’s story to Mr Cranby, things might have turned out very differently for her brother.
Norah went in search of her and found Minnie writing a letter in the small parlour.
She looked up and smiled as Norah entered.
“Norah. How are . . .?” She stopped, put down her pen and grinned. “Why, I believe you have news of some sort.
“You look as though you no longer know which way is up. I do hope it is good news,” she added hopefully.
“The very best, Miss Minnie!” Norah replied. “And all thanks to you and Mr Cranby. I don’t know how I shall ever thank you.”
Minnie looked a bit confused.
“Myself and Mr Cranby?”
“Why, yes, miss. Joe has been released and it were down to Mr Cranby’s plan.”
Minnie looked startled and Norah realised she didn’t know what had happened after Mr Cranby had left them.
She smoothed down her apron and tried to explain as best she could from Davie’s garbled account.
“After Mr Cranby found out about our Joe, he went to the Black Swan,” she began. “That Enoch offered him a job again and he took it this time.”
“Mr Cranby took a job from the disreputable man in the Black Swan?” Minnie’s eyebrows shot up.
“Yes, miss, but only so as he could catch him. He did it, got paid, and the money was the same lot what Joe was given from the robbery.
“He went to the police and sorted everything out. They got that Enoch in jail now. They even got back a lot of the nicked things for Sir Reginald and Lady Clementine.”
Minnie was staring at Norah as she shifted from one foot to another.
Then a smile broke across her face and she looked delighted.
“Theo, I mean, Mr Cranby, did all that and solved the crime?” she asked.
“Yes, miss,” Norah confirmed. “I’ll be grateful to you both for ever. Our Joe’s at home now.”
“I’m so happy for you and your family.” Minnie felt overjoyed. “What a wonderful end to this situation!”
“Thank you, miss.” Norah curtsied and left the room.
How she wished she could do more to show her gratitude to Miss Vandunlan and Mr Cranby; words didn’t seem enough.
She knew that Minnie had been pleased, and she’d looked proud and happy that it was Mr Cranby who had helped, but it didn’t seem enough.
She suddenly remembered Betsy. She must put the girl out of her misery at once.
Norah raced down to the scullery in search of her.
“Betsy, I got news!”
The girl looked up from the sink and turned towards her, wiping her wet hands on her pinny.
“What is it, Norah?”
“Joe’s free, Betsy! They caught the real criminals and he’s in the clear.”
For a moment, the scullery maid stared at her, then she burst into tears.
“Oh, Betsy!” Norah hugged her. “It’s gonna be all right. Ma’s nursing him and he’ll get better soon. Ain’t no need for tears.”
Betsy pulled away and wiped her eyes, her face beaming.
“I know, Norah, I’m just relieved. Your Joe’s so lovely.” She blushed and blew her nose.
Norah patted her shoulder.
“When he’s well enough, I’m sure he’d like a visit from you.”
“Do you really think so?”
Norah nodded.
“Yes, I do.”
The other girl glowed and Norah couldn’t help being amused.
“Everything’s worked out wonderful, hasn’t it, Betsy? If only I could find some way to repay Miss Vandunlan and Mr Cranby. They’ve been so kind.”
Betsy nodded.
“What Mr Cranby needs is a job, Norah.”
Norah stared at her, then a grin spread across her face.
“You’re right, Betsy. I got an idea!”
To be continued…