The Winds Of Fortune Episode 30
Minnie sat holding the crumpled letter, tears falling unbidden and smudging the ink.
She didn’t know if they were more of sorrow or happiness, or just pure emotion.
What a time they’d had. Months of uncertainty, joy, sorrow and, now, more news to engender both.
She found her handkerchief and took some deep breaths.
She must calm herself, then go immediately to her mother and Pearl.
She gazed out into the garden beyond.
The branches of the gnarled oaks cast intricate patterns across the sky, and the rooks scrapped noisily in the fir trees.
She was about to go in search of her family when there was a knock and the door opened.
“Mr Cranby to see you, Miss Vandunlan.” Robins bowed and Theo’s handsome face appeared, beaming at her.
His smile soon departed, however, when he saw her woeful expression.
“Minnie, whatever’s the matter?” He sat beside her and took her hand.
“I hardly know where to begin.” She smiled at him through her tears. “Dear Grandmama Louisa has passed away. I shall miss her dreadfully.”
“Minnie, I’m so sorry.” Theo’s arm went around her and she rested her head against his shoulder.
“She led a good, long life, but I fear my father’s death was too much for her.”
She felt Theo’s arm tighten round her and he kissed the top of her head.
“This letter is from her solicitor,” she went on. “She has left everything she had to me.”
“Why, Minnie, that’s wonderful.” Theo was beaming.
“I shall be able to live a modest but respectable existence,” Minnie told him. “I shall sell the brownstone and buy a small house near here.”
Theo raised an eyebrow and grinned.
“Mother and I can live there with a couple of servants and we will be near dearest Pearl and Harry, without being a burden to them.
“Mother has already decided to stay in England and is looking for another job on a paper.
“With Mr Jeffers’ help and contacts, I’m sure she will be successful.”
“I’m sure she will.” Theo smiled. “But I do wish you would slow down. I have some news for you, too.”
Minnie sat up and studied his face.
She had been so caught up in her own change of fortunes that she hadn’t even asked Theo how he was or congratulated him on rescuing poor Joe.
He looked well today, she thought – still tired, but his dark eyes had lost their haunted quality and were bright and hopeful.
“I have landed a job,” he told her, beaming from ear to ear. “A post in a legal firm. I do believe it will be very interesting.”
“How wonderful!” Minnie exclaimed. “When did this happen?”
“Just now.” Theo laughed. “It’s all thanks to Norah and Harry.”
“Norah and Harry?”
“Yes. It was Norah’s idea. She wanted to thank us for helping Joe and she realised that what I needed most was a job.
“She spoke to Harry and he arranged a post in a local legal firm. I will need to undertake some training, but on the basis of my education, credentials and success in helping Norah’s family, they are prepared to take me on.
“Harry vouched for me himself,” he finished proudly.
“I can’t believe it.” Minnie laughed. “So you will stay in England, too.”
“I will.”
Minnie, normally so calm and level-headed, felt herself welling up again.
There had been so much excitement that it was hard to process.
Theo took her hand.
“No more tears, my darling. This is a day to celebrate.”
“Tears? Minnie, is everything all right?” The pair looked up at Carrie, Pearl and Harry as they entered the room.
“Oh, there is so much to tell you. Theo has a job and will be staying in England.”
Carrie smiled.
“Harry has told us, darling. It’s well deserved.” She clasped Theo’s hand. “We have been hearing all about his fabulous work solving thefts! You are so clever, Theo.”
“Is that why you were crying?” Pearl sat down beside Harry, but was looking at her sister with concern.
Minnie shook her head.
“I have some news of my own. I’m afraid that dear Grandmama Louisa has died.” She sobbed.
Carrie shook her head and Pearl gasped, her eyes filling.
“Dear Grandmama. Oh, how awful.”
“She has left me everything,” Minnie added quietly.
Her mother clapped her hands and was on her feet in a moment, smiling through her tears.
“Oh, Minnie, darling, how generous of her. You and Pearl will both be secure!”
There were general congratulations and noise all round, until Theo rose and called for quiet.
“Ladies and gentlemen. This is all very good and exciting, but this furore is preventing the most important business of the day.”
Everyone stopped and stared at him.
“I really cannot wait any longer. Even if the Queen of Sheba were in the room with news to impart.”
Theo got down on one knee and took Minnie’s hand in his.
“My dearest, darling Miss Vandunlan. You are the kindest, most intelligent and most beautiful woman I have ever met.
“I’ve been desperate to ask you this question for months, and I cannot wait even one moment longer. Please will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
As the room erupted once again, Minnie fell into Theo’s arms and he kissed her.
Finally, all of her prayers had been answered.
The End.