Selena's Heritage

By Frances Walter

SELENAS DOWRY.
SELENAS HERITAGE.
THE CURSE OF SELENAS DOWRY COMES FULL CIRCLE.
MURDER.
HER HERITAGE LIES IN THE HANDS OF HER CHILDREN.
ALL WILL COME DOWN TO A BATTLE OF WITS AND LOYALTIES
TO THE FAMILY.
ONE IS SELENAS JUDAS.
THE OTHER.A NEW AND TRUE ETHERINGTON.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781462871407

Frances Walter

“Simple imagination to get inside the mind of the law breaking perpetrator. Catching a person who willingly breaks the law. A decision on how to catch him and what to do with him after you have gone through the system. I am wearing the shoes of the Detective and must decide how all persons involved affect each other and the final outcome. Conscience and the laws of justice. How to use them. I was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. I have no special credits to literary writing. Imagination that grows. Every day crime and bad guys. I enjoy a good murder mystery. Authors who write and I can not put their work down. I call some of my work dark and bent. My emotion? Anger brings out a more sinister side of the writing works. My style, as if you are standing in the middle of the room watching it all. I unravel the plot as you go along, as you read, a few twists and turns. Sometimes you are not sure if the villain or Detective will win.”

Book preview

Chapter One

Twenty years, and it only seemed like a passing moment. If she had been poor and rags on her back, she would have wished for the same outcome. Happiness beyond anything. She had traveled from country to country, half way around the world to find and keep it.

*     *     *

Carstairs, should we plan a small or big party? Our anniversary. The children’s birthdays. Gifts for them? It is our family, we do not need to be too elaborate.

Gifts are always pleasant. Are the children old enough to push a new year for responsibility? Should we give them part of their inheritance early or later? Carstairs trying to evaluate the magnitude of the event.

The children are well provided for. I do not see a point to extend a large sum of money in their reach. I do not believe they are ready for such a liberal hand out. Perhaps a balance? Ask them what they would like to accomplish or achieve in their lives. Character building. Their future, their own direction.

You are wise, Dear Selena. You make me humble with your decisions.

They are young. We take care of them, protect them. We offer choices to guide them for a few more years. I am not ready to let them go.

Claudette had married Benjamin Barton after eight years. A very lazy, easy going relationship. Totally unorthodox. Fun and laughter at every turn. Never serious. Old and new values to be content to live.

On a humorous note, Selena decided to change Victoria’s given name to Emilee. The staff began to play games and dress the twins from boy to girl and the reverse. Friends began to call her by a boy’s name, Victor, or call her Alexander by error. The amusement was short, she demanded the change.

Mr. Aldron died after nearly fifteen years of service to Selena and Carstairs Gilchrist. A faithful employee. Selena thought of Mr. Abbott as they laid him in the ground on a rainy day.

Mrs. Thorneton died one year later. Selena never spoke for weeks after her passing. It was as if her life line had been cut off.

Timothy became head of the stables and any livestock brought to the estate. He married Selena’s newly adopted maid, Lisa, until she died of pneumonia one freak winter. They had enjoyed a mere three years of happy bliss. Timothy never married after his loss.

He needed the work to keep his mind sane. If all agreed he would stay in the Gilchrist’s employ until otherwise decided.

Mr. Bancroft died of a heart attack after visiting for Selena’s birthday. He was found at the end of the drive, slumped over the driving box. Ten years they had been friends.

Blake, the most puzzling of all. Faithful friend, the title servant never seemed to apply. He just disappeared one day during a visit to town. He went to board the horses while everyone settled into the hotel. The horses were in place, no Blake. No one saw him walk away.

Timothy assured her nothing was wrong to simply walk away. Selena posted rewards. Payment for information. Nothing. Selena’s sadness to the loss never went away.

Selena and Carstairs came to a compromise to invite an elite group. Close, personal friends who had traveled the road shared over a lot of years. Friends and family. An extravagance. The best food. The best drink. A family affair shared by all. Staff invited as family.

Carstairs, the gifts for the children? Have you decided? I have yours for our anniversary. We have everything we could ask for, love and happiness, after that point, all is a miracle and a blessing.

Selena, my suggestion for the children, you were right, ask them what they want for their futures. We agreed many years ago when we gave them their names.

Thank you, Carstairs. This will begin their life’s test. How would they handle life’s turmoil if we made it too easy?

The celebration came and went. Anticipation for a whole house full of gifts. All waited for the spoils of the occasion.

Gift time. Breaths held? Good. We have tried very hard to make this day a new start. A new beginning for our road we must travel.

Just bring the wagon in the house to haul in our presents, Father. Alexander spoke first.

The Parents first, Dear Son. My Dearest Selena, for the years you have blessed my life. You are my biggest gift. Carstairs got down on one knee to give her the respect of royalty.

Miss Selena, my life, my love. My gift is, one pearl for each year you have made me a happy man. Finished with a piece of gold.

Put in a fine, satin lined velvet box of pure white, twenty perfectly matched pearls. A gold chain of designed ‘S’ letters with a pearl to connect the pattern. Petite and fragile in design. Delicate like Selena.

All I need, Carstairs, is your hand in mine for strength. This is beautiful. I will wear it to ensure we are tied together forever. A light kiss on his lips to thank him.

Carstairs, for your safety, a strong horse to take you on any new journey to come.

In the stables, a full thoroughbred Arabian. Pure white in color. Tall, very tall in measured hands. Something new to the Americas, purebred horses for show or breeding.

All Carstairs could say, ‘Magnificent.’

The gifts were left to settle more anticipation to come. One child glad of peace on any day in the house. All was a good day.

The other, looked at what was to come. More? Bigger and better. Comfort and money to make the world nice and smooth. Not a care in the day.

Carstairs stood up and took Selena’s hand. Birthday wishes for our children. Please stand up, we are doing things in a different tradition. Alexander. Emilee. We are granting wishes, not tangible belongings. Your wish, to be a better person, is our command to make come true.

Carstairs snapped his fingers to bring two servants out from a side door. Each brought out a silver tray with a single piece of paper on it. Blank paper to write their inner most hopes and dreams.

Alexander perturbed, almost upset from the lack of fanfare.

The paper is blank! Whose wish? Yours or mine, Father? Request or demand? A vicious tone. Lack of theatrics? Or lack of a wagon full of treasures at a child’s feet.

Your wish. Your dream, Alexander. We will help fulfill what you want for your future.

A dangerous statement. Alexander had a list impossible to fill. He wanted… He looked at his Parents. Their sincerity was almost laughable. He wanted… He was taught humility. They would never be able to give him what he wanted.

I want… I want to go to England. Your roots. Your heritage. To return and continue what you left behind.

Selena thought she was going to choke with fear. Faint from betrayal. She had raised her children with the best her new life had to offer. Not England, better than the rules or starchiness of the society she had left behind. He was not happy or satisfied with his lot? Ungrateful or simply curious of a land he never knew? Ungrateful was the order she was feeling.

Carstairs, I never… I thought… She sank into her chair.

Selena, there must be a reason behind all this. We will talk in private. I will appease him for a possibility. I did not know. Trust me. He whispered. He kissed her forehead for support.

A big wish, Alexander. Can you wait for a reply? We must discuss the details.

Yes, we will. My desire for a long time.

A long time? Unhappy for how long? He and Selena had failed at the promise to give their children the best adventure in a new land.

Emilee, your wish?

Not as elaborate as Alexander’s. Complicated, almost outrageous.

Make your wish.

We shall see… I want to be a Doctor. I want… to be an accomplished writer. A novelist. Published works.

A clapping of hands. A mocking laughter from across the room.

A Doctor? Sister Dear has a fancy for the lonely Doctor down the way? Does he have a flatter for you? You a writer? Amusing Sister, you can not write or finish a logical sentence for someone to take notice.

Some of the slight she could retort to without a flinch. Her intelligence was another. He always sniped at her. Superior. Better. Nothing was enough. Today, it was all stopping. No more. Emilee had been holding her Mother’s hand for a last moment’s support. She let go to stand up to her brother.

I am not stupid. I am quiet. I have humility which is not a trait you have. I am happy with my lot. You are greedy. A leech. Mother and Father have not yet to see past your charm. The Doctor is my mentor. He sees my potential. My destiny, I do not know. My intelligence, Dear Brother? I can spell and write letters better than the whore you are in bed with every time you are in the city. I am told she is illiterate. Popular. You like sharing her? For you, control over the weak?

A new gasp of horror from Selena and Carstairs. They had missed the signs. Lowered himself to keep the company of whores or otherwise.

Selena in shock. Hide or object to this disgusting line of arguing? She got up and straightened her clothes. She was Selena Etherington, dignity was her legacy to survive. She clapped her hands for all to listen.

A siblings’ rivalry for attention. A wish list to reach for the stars. We apologize we do not have the magic to grant them at this moment. Let us toast to all the good things we share. Friends and family. Amen!

A round of applause. More food. Eat. Wine… She served the food. Offered a full glass of cheer. She reached for Carstairs hand and smiled. His strength would help her heart from breaking into a thousand pieces.

Emilee could not stop herself from taking one last stab at Alexander’s selfishness.

Alexander, I know a secret. Mother and Father will never return to England. They left something behind they want to forget. Time to be a big man and show them you are sincere. Work to a compromise. Tell them you have employment. An interest. Effort, not an empty hand.

I want to go. I do not care what their reasons are. You can stay. Die here, you choose.

Nothing is free.

You live free. I live free. We do not pay. I can go to England.

You have to earn your life’s choices. Ambition has a cost. Work. You are a spoiled child.

Shut up, Emilee.

One day you will be sorry you said that! Emilee gave him an abrupt push.

The guests retired to their rooms. The house went deathly quiet. Let the night cover the tension or talk until the sun makes it all new and clean. Selena sat in her chair and looked through the window. A light rain, she saw no hint of sun in the morning.

What are we to do? I do not want to go back to England.

We will not go. My other gift to Alexander, was, to ask him to work with me to build up our business holdings. Five years and I can slow down. He wants to go? We build everything and sell. I slow down. He builds a good place in life and I will send him. Offer part of the profits. Is this fair? Our compromise?

No. I wanted to see them grow up. A family of their own. Children. I do not agree. No one will rest until it is decided and done.

*     *     *

Morning.

Selena woke to an empty bed. No Carstairs? A continuation of arguments from the evening before? Alexander, as per habit, had started his ranting again. No pride, a houseful of guests for an audience. Selena dressed to intervene. No more embarrassment in front of her friends.

I told you, I do not want to help with the family business. I do not care if you pay me or not, I will be in your shadow. Labeled hired help.

You will earn respect as a Gilchrist. Honest work. You offer a service. You offer employment. We can go back twenty five years and you will hear only good things.

I am not your employee. I am your son. I want to go to England. Send me, what are we to lose?

We are losing our family. I am asking for five years for you to work with me. You do not want me to work myself to death?

You may want to die in this God-forsaken place, I do not. What is so horrible, I can not go and make my own way?

Nothing horrible. Your fault, Alexander, you have no base for work. You are a Master of nothing. No skills, no interests. A Doctor. A Lawyer. A merchant. You can not be handed a free bank note. I will not. Re-evaluate your request. I will be open minded on another day.

Outrageous.

I decided. And… Alexander. Do not consider asking your Mother to send you or give you funds to go. She has agreed in five years. On that note, it will be on her good graces you go. Be watchful on your vicious disposition, it will be your downfall. You asked for a wish, be kind and earn it.

All of this Father, we shall see. He left to go wherever.

Carstairs? Selena was almost knocked over by Alexander’s exit.

He is in bad humor. Not happy with his choices. I told him our decision.

All Carstairs could do was put his arm around her for comfort. Changes were coming. Time to wait for an answer.

Chapter Two

Part of the season crept by. The winter more dense with cold to any he could remember. Work would be slower. Carstairs did not feel he was rushed with work undone.

Was he punishing Alexander? A small lesson to teach him nothing comes from idle hands. Or was Cartairs experimenting with his own time? Was he deluding himself he could sit and chat at idle tea parties? English style.

Retirement. Did not Selena once wish for a small cottage. Her favorite word ‘simple’. Not elaborate. Do not live beyond your means. Was this one wish he could share?

He had tried on occasions to persuade Alexander to take an interest in the business holdings.

If I gave you one or more of the businesses to run, would you feel you would have more control over your life?

Still a hand out from you.

Alexander, explain to me the difference between responsibility and handing you a ten pound note. Vouchers to charge anything you desire from the Gilchrist name.

Speechless. For only a moment. I am your son, I inherited it all. Just due.

‘Present tense? Carstairs not dead in the ground? Alexander owned it all before Carstairs’ final breath?’ All conversations ended with the same assumption. Slowly Carstairs began to match Alexander’s attitude and tone. He swallowed hard for he felt the arguments were demeaning. It lowered his selfworth.

Possessions belonged to Alexander with no work. No sweat from his back or blisters on his hands. No arguments. Only the tone of a demand.

When are we returning to the city? We have been locked up on the estate for most of the winter. He began again, as if he had won this battle of wits.

The winter has been harsh. Spring will be here soon. You have not suffered.

I want to go to the city. The Arnolds went. We have more advantages than them to travel comfortably.

You were not apprised of their accident? The buggy got stuck in a snow rut. The horses spooked. The buggy toppled over. Mrs. Arnold and the daughter were pinned under the wagon and died. Mr. Arnold tried to walk for help and was frozen in the snow.

We have more to never end up in an accident.

More is not safe. If you insist on going to the city, take a buggy and go. I will not stop you. I will not give you any funds to live on. You seem unhappy at every turn, you make your own decision. Conversation over. I am going to check on your Mother. She has not been well. Carstairs left him to brood or whatever he enjoyed doing by himself. Carstairs ordered tea for himself and Selena. He found her sitting in her drawing room.

Tea for M’lady? He bowed slightly.

Just you and I? I would be delighted. Talk or sit in silence?

Your preference. I would like to enjoy your company. We do not do this often enough.

Selena poured tea. Her drawings and material swatches seemed trivial at this moment.

Carstairs, did you send all the staff on a holiday? The house is too quiet.

I saw staff. Busy at their duties. We never have to check their work. His mood was wrong or impatient.

Do you wish to talk about something other than tea? Selena asked Carstairs a second time.

No, I believe I handled everything the best I could. He quipped.

I would like to talk about Emilee. Did you send out any letters about her birthday wishes?

No. I think the tension with Alexander offset other considerations. I believe you have taken over the responsibility. You have an answer?

I sent out numerous letters. No reply in the post. England is a long way. I sent others closer to home. Emilee did not give me any finished work to submit. Replies may be vague.

She wants to be a Doctor?

She can visit with Doctor Martin when in town. Talk, help. I am not sure if it is curiosity or a sincere direction. I would wait. I am not dismissing her request, it is not as serious as her written works.

Another failure.

An oversight. I handled it. And… Alexander? Is that why I feel the stress from you? Have you spoken to him, or ignoring him?

I have spoken to him on several occasions. I give him offers. A direction. Today, a very huge ultimatum, stay or go on his own. I will not give him money to be irresponsible. He tires me out with his ranting.

Alexander leave? Selena did not see this coming. Did Carstairs decide to send him to England after all?

Perhaps Selena, he will grow up. I have been too liberal with his comfort. He does not like life’s rules. It is time to teach him a new lesson. Please, do not say it is cruel and heartless.

I agree. And if did not, I would voice my opinion.

The tea was cold. The tension had not dissipated. Selena poured two brandies. More silence, they sat. They were remembering they were together, always the two of them.

*     *     *

Alexander sat by himself in the study. Poured himself a double whiskey from his Father’s best.

‘I need money! I want to do as I please! He is always in my way. He is an old man in my way. I do not want to work for him.’

Alexander took another drink. He needed an answer.

Money! He cursed out loud. He sat to figure out his dilemma. Waiting for his Father to change his mind was never going to happen.

Fine! You win! Let time pass. I will lie. Apologize. An appeasement to get his money. Be paid for no work done. I am sure I can find an honest fellow to relieve my Father of his money belt.

He let the time pass. Spring came. He swallowed hard on a rainy day.

Father, may I speak with you? I am sorry for not offering my help with the family. I am seeing staying lazy and idle is a waste. Can you show me a way to assist you? My hat in my hand, my pride set aside.

Did the rain imply doom in his request? He could not simply change his attitude in a single moment. Carstairs was feeling a twinge of doubt. He would play this ruse. Deceit always came around.

Alexander, you make me proud. Our family will be stronger. All the work will be less difficult. The weather is finally in our favor, we can go to town in a few weeks. It has been a long season. We can check on everything together. Thank you, Son. Carstairs offered his hand.

A lie or sincere? Alexander’s hand was sticky with sweat. Humility with fear or the possibility his Father saw the lie. Carstairs would wait.

Chapter Three

Peace. She could feel it in her house. It had been a long time coming.

Many years had gone by from the time she had privately taught the children reading and numbers. Without pushing, they enjoyed the easy going style. If their attention was waning, Selena would split the children up and let Carstairs handle them from a different direction.

After the children turned twelve, they were admitted into an advanced school. They had to learn to interact with other people. Solitude was not healthy. The new choices were showing a vast difference on their attitude to the classes. Those who had less, to very privileged.

Alexander showed the biggest change. He put labels on people and their status. Money and possessions. Selena felt guilty he had not developed a truer character. Temporary? The school was new, he had never seen anything poor, only the best of the best.

Emilee was the one who impressed Selena. She was pleased with the company of other children and adults. Polite. Quiet. A young lady with breeding.

Respect on different social levels. Opinions ignored or listened to. She compared her Parents to the neighbors. Men in charge. Women considered sub-serviant. Women put down.

Emilee, as shy as she was, asked bravely a new question.

Mother, how do you deal with the men? Does anyone take you seriously on a business level? Alexander always laughs every chance he sees me do needlework or read a book.

I learned banking and legal work when I was eight years and older. A different set of rules, I broke. The women put in a different place in society. My choices saved my family.

Our family is not the same as yours in England?

A vast difference.

Can you teach me? Or am I simple? My intelligence is not brilliant.

You must listen to your inner self. To survive life, I will teach you, only if you keep it a secret. It will be your defense for those who feel everything you possess is not deserved. Society feels it has the right to take or steal what is rightfully yours.

A secret. Agreed.

Over the next two years Selena took Emilee through all the steps. Banking and interest. She showed her old banking invoices to explain her how the money was saved and moved.

You must be good with numbers. Add and minus. Keep your own books and receipts to balance documents. If you must trust a banking institute or a solicitor, you must have your own proof.

Yes, I can see it. What about business? Is everything under Father’s name? You have some say, an opinion?

Selena’s moment of truth. Tell her daughter her secret or lie?

The laws here are different than England. I can own property. Most of our holdings, I own. Your Father has his own interests. He is the face to do much of the commerce. We trust each other.

Emilee looked at her Mother. To love without a doubt? Trust you be cared for.

Will I have a suitable dowry if I marry? A suitor to call with his intentions?

No dowry. We hope, that in time, you will find a special man who will love you for you alone. You are not a dollar commodity. I will not sell you. We will not arrange a marriage. You will have free choice.

You will not order me?

And be dreadfully unhappy? Do you wish to be a boring, tedious woman in your life? You have a new interest, can you see yourself a future? You talked about writing. A mere fancy or a direction for more? I found clothing and tailoring. Took it from France to here. Claudette and I are never bored. We conduct a very lucrative business. The difference, we do not offer to one class. We are proud of ourselves.

Mother, this is unorthodox.

Yes, we had fun breaking society’s rules. One day you will see what we see.

All I see is Alexander taunting me. Laughing at my needlework and books. A woman servant.

You are not a servant. You have not found the day to see your true worth. One day you will step out from behind him and tell him he was wrong. Emilee when it is time, make your stand and do not back down. Something in Selena’s voice made her sit up tall. Not her time, she would wait.

Emilee, before you go off to contemplate your life, you made a wish to be a success at all talents? You are a banker today. I am adding a legal solicitor with that position, where will you travel next?

Have you finished teaching me? I would like to see more of your work with Claudette. I am okay with a basic needle. Claudette’s work is exquisite. I am not involved and I can see how you and she could triple her work.

Emilee, you are a hard task master. Claudette and I play and you want us to work? Thank you for your suggestion, I will decline. You want to learn a trade, own a business, come look and learn.

Another secret, Mother? I shall pretend to do silly mundane Ladies’ socials. Tea and cake.

You are beginning to comprehend. You are my Daughter, I am proud of you. Selena smiled.

Was Selena dividing her house? She was witnessing intermittent sibling rivalry, good one day, bad the next. A power struggle to see who was the stronger. Was this Selena’s way to even all the power plays? Today Selena felt she had made a good choice to help the timid. The strong or the greedy need not trample the weak.

Selena smiled again. All was good.

Chapter Four

Alexander had worked his magic and got the family and skeleton staff to go to the city about a month later. After the buggy ride and day visit at the Bancroft House they could settle in the hotel and return to normal. Alexander was in the city. He had the keys to every establishment. Charm was his announcement.

Alexander, your Mother and Emilee are visiting with Claudette. I have a few private business meetings to attend to. We could be social and meet for a brandy with Benjamin later. We can talk and specialize your expertise to help with the estate.

What time? I want to make a short visit to a friend.

Four o’clock. A drink. I will find your Mother for dinner. We shall adopt Claudette. The company will be good medicine for your Mother.

Emilee at the good Doctor’s?

Actually, I believe she is lost at the book shop. She mentioned she wanted to visit and shop. She wanted to check the post.

Alexander was not listening. Leaving in the middle of Carstairs’ sentences. He had lots of time to get back.

Bart’s place. His choice of the day. He had missed the company of the lower elite. He always felt he had found a new honest family. No cares or demands, they laughed, loved and drank. A few less manners. Dirt under their finger nails. Real people.

Alexander never looked over his shoulder to ensure his Father had left the hotel safely. Never checked on his boot or the step. Alexander never looked back. True to form he was ensuring his needs were taken care of… First.

Alexander walked down the street, turned a corner to travel down a deserted alley to a three storey house. Alexander had to stop and simply admire Bart’s establishment. He could not find an answer why he felt this was his home. No demands or expectations. No class distinctions, everyone equal. Opinions heard or on another day, laughter and criticism where each man stood on the ground.

Drunk days, sober days, Bart spoke his opinion.

‘We all work. I offer a service. Liquid spirits or women. I do not force patrons to come through the door. Choices. Work with your hands or supervise people who work a trade. You have layers of workers. The most intriguing are workers for hire. They are your face to get a job done, so you are not seen. A front or someone to come in a back door for you.’

Lazy days, sleepy days, Alexander would ask back.

‘How do I get rich? I want easy. I can not understand why my Father will not give me my inheritance and in the same turn send me to England.’

‘Alexander, my man, you are not listening. You reach out and take what you want. With all your finery, you are always so polite, you must quit begging and asking. You must get rid of the problem or become like the rest of the good people around you and steal what you want. Everything you touch can be eliminated and disposed of. You must decide, temporary or permanent.’

Bart got up and poured two drinks. His way of closing a conversation. Alexander listened, never acted. His values were misplaced having a good life. He never had to work or make a decision. No control over his life.

‘Bart? You are suggesting… You are telling me to… that is the only alternative… ?’

‘Alexander, I never said anything. I gave you choices. You want something, you have to figure out the road to get there. You are too soft. Cheat, steal, connive your way to the end. You decide, do not add guilt to the question and answer. Have another drink, perhaps two, I am buying.’

Hours later, an empty bottle to show. Alexander woke up from a sleepy stupor.

Bart, what time is it? It is dark.

I dunt use clocks or time pieces. You late? Go! Bart closed his eyes to find more sleep.

Alexander stumbled down the alley to the hotel. Find his family or go back to sleep in his room? Slink in, sneak in, not to be, Carstairs and Selena were coming out the front door.

Alexander tried to hide his drunken state by standing up tall, only to cause Carstairs to burst into laughter at the sight.

You are late, Alexander. We had dinner and our visit with the Bartons.

I… am… sorry… He muttered.

I do not want your apologies. This is all in poor taste. Carstairs did not want to listen. Go to sleep. Do not speak with your Mother, you will only upset her. Embarrassing yourself is all you will accomplish tonight. We will start tomorrow. Please do not disappoint me. You offered me a new set of good intentions, please show me you are sincere.

Yes, Father. The only answer for his behavior. Alexander had never shown his Father this side of him. Today he had made a major error. Was this day repairable or would he be using Bart’s advice to get what he desired?

*     *     *

Morning arrived. Alexander thought it should be later with this ill feeling stuck in the pit of his stomach.

Late… Again! Where to look for his Father? Look or wait? Start the day with a new and equally bad impression? Alexander wanted something, he would have to show some spine, and begin and finish lying to get it. He shook his head, all his efforts felt like work.

He was listening to Bart. ‘You lie. You cheat. You steal. Any order you like. Just… Take it.’

Alexander was concocting excuses for his tardiness only to be forced to face his worst fear, running into his Mother.

Mother… I am sorry. He steadied her from tripping on his boot. I am late. Looking for Father. Is he in the dining room?

Your Father is at the hardware store, unless you missed him.

I am late, I will try to find him. Thank you. He tried a small smile.

I must go. Claudette needs my attention on a business order. Selena stepped around him to make an unspoken point. She did not want an apology, she was not going to wait for him to volunteer one.

Mother… He spoke to her back.

Alexander, are you sincere with your offer to help your Father? You have come with your hat in your hand, your Father would like it filled with honesty. Family loyalty. He needs help, not hindrance. Selena left no allowances for a reply.

Alexander had been told again. Find his road and go down it. ‘Go get what you want.’

Alexander walked the distance to the hardware store to find his Father. Almost there, Carstairs was headed back to the hotel in the buggy. Carstairs pulled on the reins to bring the horse to a stop.

Alexander?

I missed you at the hotel. Mother said you were coming here. Can I help you?

I corrected the staffing problem. I have two short stops and I am returning to have lunch with your Mother.

I have not helped.

No, you have not. Carstairs replied sharply.

Can I help with something? Go with you to the other places?

They are not business calls, courtesy stops. Not worth your time.

Pennants? My apology.

Embarrassment or sincerity? Take Alexander with him to build his character? Carstairs was not doing business, somehow Alexander never could see the difference. One hour later, Carstairs was finished. The expression on Alexander’s face showed the signs he was bored.

We are finished.

That is it? You only asked about their health? A waste… of… time…

Time? They have both been in my employ for nearly fifteen years. Time? Respect of their work. They are part of this community. Carstairs waved his hand in a circle. They make us comfortable, we make them comfortable. You work with people, not use or abuse them. They are not a dollar commodity. Carstairs raised his voice.

Alexander caught once again. Social classes. Money. He swallowed again.

Can I help with something? Have you seen all the properties?

Today Alexander, I am finished. The winter season was hard on everyone. All businesses need to get a second wind. I can not push when the town has suffered. Go about your own business, come and speak with me tomorrow.

Carstairs returned to the hotel and left Alexander sitting in the buggy by himself. Carstairs would simply give instructions to the porter to have it returned to the stables if Alexander abandoned it on the street.

Alexander realized he had failed to impress his Father on this day. His lies did not work. His next plan would be to cheat his way. Use people to put it into place. Time.

He would let silence fix his newest blunder. Apologies to gain trust. It worked before, it was difficult developing honesty as a new character trait. He would find it.

Cheat. How to engage that into a plan?

Selena and Carstairs announced three days later they were returning to the estate.

Alexander, we are going home. You can stay or come with us. The only courtesy I will give you, is, you can stay at the hotel. I will not put you out on the street.

Excellent. I will be home in a week or so. Do you need my help while you are gone?

No. I left all in good order. Take care of yourself, Alexander. Carstairs left to attend to the luggage.

Father, I…

Alexander, do not apologize. It is in poor taste. We will talk when you come home. Good bye.

No handshake. No embrace for eithers’ well being.

*     *     *

Days later, Alexander watched his family leave him behind. He was looking out an upper storey window from Bart’s establishment. No other good byes, he turned his back on the street and went back to his special lady interest.

After a party night with Bart’s elite, Alexander was going to seek out Carter Dante. He was at his best when he could lie or cheat or steal himself into an intriguing situation. To his benefit, he would do anything. Alexander would buy him a drink for payment. Money later.

A new day. All was fine.

Chapter Five

The Gilchrist household settled back to their normal routine after what seemed to be a grueling trip.

Selena’s magic, only sunny skies for the return trip. Quiet, limited conversation for the tension surrounding the carriage. Emilee never seemed to notice. She was trying to decide between two books to read first.

Alexander stayed in the city. He was missed, perhaps only because he was family. His demands and demeanor disturbed everyone. His absence would bring a quiet peace not felt in the house in months.

Emilee had received two letters of acceptance from a publishing company. They would appreciate a submission of her work. Emilee’s style, pleasing but subdued confidence, it was acceptable quality to meet all criticism. She wanted to thank her Mother for her effort and support to make her dream come true.

Selena’s wish, she got out of the carriage to walk the distance to the house. With all the events, she did not want to break her tradition. After her walk all the events of the past two weeks seemed trivial. Only good things to come.

*     *     *

Weeks went by, Alexander had not returned. Had he made the choice not to return? Refused to be polite and discuss the decision with the family? No matter, the house continued standing. Upset free, all was acceptable.

Selena had been sitting in her art room more and more. It was becoming her new sanctuary. Other than general clean up, no one disturbed any of her work or looked at her private papers.

Over several months she had been receiving anonymous letters. No name. No return address. Only her name and residence. Selena Etherington Gilchrist was a major business and land owner. Her name was known. All correspondence was sent without question.

Odd, she was addressed in the most unusual, questionable titles.

Mrs. Carlsberg . . . Mrs. Selena Gilchrist . . . Mrs. Selena Carlsberg—Gilchrist.

No pattern. ‘Your estates are in danger. Have you examined your holdings?’

‘Your son has been seen in the company of disagreeable people.’

‘Is your life safe from questionable business dealings?’

Who would know her as Carlsberg? All business under that name was kept anonymous. Selena was fair. Honest. Work conditions in her businesses were respectable. Why the threats?

Deceit. Doubts. Trust. All coming at her from different directions. She was seeing a horrifying repeat of twenty three years previous.

The letters. Odd. Plain envelopes. General address.

‘Claudette’s writing? A warning from a friend? A morbid warning? Why did she not do it in person?’

Reply? Confront in person? Or wait for dire consequences? Yes, she would go to her life long confidant. She would take actions from there.

Carstairs, a word? I have made sure no staff will interrupt us. I need to speak to you about a problem.

Selena, I need to speak with you too. I should have spoken to you weeks ago. Thought it was a hoax or in jest.

Before they could continue their conversation the head butler interrupted them. Excuse me, I apologize. Sir, Madame, you have an unexpected visitor. Would you like him in the library?

Are you expecting someone, Carstairs?

No, did not receive a note by messenger. I would have spoken to you. Who would drive three days to come out here?

All questions were answered as they both entered the library, their bank manager. After Mr. Bancroft’s death, all business was split between a new solicitor and a banking establishment.

Mr. Freemont, a pleasure. You did not announce your arrival. We would have set out lunch. Selena gracious as her habit.

I will be returning immediately. Came for business, not tea. A drink would be in order.

A drink? Waiting for disaster to fall? Celebrate or fortifying his strength to engage mouth?

Perhaps after you have stated your case. Carstairs speaking out.

I have sent numerous messages over a period of six months. Never received or ignored? This is regarding mortgages against your textile mill.

Selena’s mill. Selena’s dream. She had the vision from the time she lived in France. Together they had made it a reality.

Mr. Freemont, assistant manager of the banking institute Selena and Carstairs did all their business with. Yes, assistant manager, only dealt with in emergencies. Carstairs did not respect this man, he had